Dialogue in the Dark Launched

The Lord Mayor and Guide Dogs Victoria officially opened the “Dialogue in the Dark” experience at Harbour Town on June 1.

Several guide dogs also attended the opening, overseeing the ribbon cutting and posing for pictures in front of the media wall.

Visitors rely on their sense of hearing, touch and smell to navigate through complete darkness with the help of a blind guide.

At the end of the tour, they can sit down in the dark and engage in conversation about their experiences.

“I find it a fascinating concept,” Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said. “It is quite challenging, particularly when you work out how much you rely on your eyesight to orient yourself in the normal world and how much you define yourself by your eyesight and the way you perceive the physical world.”

Cr Doyle also said the experience could lead to a greater understanding of the world of visually impaired people.

“If we can get decision makers and leaders as well as members of the public through here, let’s hope it also starts a wider conversation about the awareness for people who do not have the abilities some of us have,” he said.

The first-in-Australia Dialogue in the Dark is a permanent phenomenon at Harbour Town.

To celebrate Winter school holidays and the Docklands Firelight Festival, Dialogue in the Dark is offering a special offer of buy one get one free ticket for a limited period in July only.

Offer only available for tickets purchased at the box office and subject to availability.

This article was originally published in Docklands News. Image courtesy of dialogueinthedark.com.au