Auslan guru signs up for storytime

Celebrity Auslan interpreter Mikey Webb has joined forces with Moreton Bay Regional Council to present a series of Signed Storytime sessions.

Made famous at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as an Auslan interpreter for Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk’s daily media conferences, Mikey’s filmed six special storytime sessions.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the series is the latest in Council’s efforts to create a more inclusive community.

“Inclusion and accessibility are key indicators of a great society and this is another step forward for Moreton Bay as we strive to be one of the most inclusive areas to live in Australia,” he says.

“Most Queenslanders will know Mikey Webb from his time as an Auslan interpreter for the Premier during COVID-19 media calls - and in most cases he stole the show from the politicians with his enthusiasm and charisma.

|“Mikey is a champion for the deaf community across Australia and thanks to our partnership with Deaf Connect, he’s joined Moreton Bay Region Libraries for a special Signed Storytime video series.”|

See the video

Mayor Flannery says the Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook page and YouTube channel will release one episode each month until the end of the year, with the first released last month.

“These videos will be rolled out in conjunction with our regular Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time videos, so there’s plenty of great content to choose from to educate and entertain the kids every week,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Council has been delivering regular Signed Storytime sessions in person at Caboolture, Burpengary and Redcliffe libraries for years and these online video series came about as way to reach the community during COVID and be more inclusive.”

Check out the Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook page for regular updates and content here, follow the YouTube channel to see the back catalogue of content and see new videos here or register for in-person Signed Storytime sessions here.