Down Syndrome Association of the Northern Territory

23/10/2025

22/10/2025

🌟 Great news for the NT! 🌟

The Down Syndrome Association NT congratulates everyone involved in the successful passing of legislation to expand the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) — now including all beverage containers up to 3 litres, such as milk containers and wine/spirit bottles. 🥛🍾

This change means even more opportunities for our Social Enterprise – Cash for Containers, which provides meaningful employment and work training placements for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.

Every bottle or can returned helps us:
♻️ Create real job opportunities
🌏 Reduce waste and protect our environment
💚 Keep our Territory clean and healthy

If you’d like to support us or arrange a pickup service, please visit our page or email us at admin@downsyndroment.com.au

Together, we’re making a positive impact — one container at a time! 💪

08/10/2025

💎 Thank You to Our Raffle Donors 💎

We are so grateful to the generous businesses and community members who donated prizes to the Sapphire Ball Raffle. Your support ensures Down Syndrome Association of the Northern Territory can continue to deliver programs like Playgroup21, Project21, and school support services across the Territory.
Special thanks to:

Bikes to Fit
Blooms Parap
Bunnings Airport
City Cave
Crocodylus Park
Crocosaurus Cove
Darwin Yoga Community – Anja Behlmer
Deborah Bampton
DCOH
Ella Bache Fannie Bay
Fernwood Fitness
Gardens Link Golf Course
Howard Springs Tavern
I Screen Art
Jape
Kabuki Hair Cutters
Oly Carson & Brian O’Gallagher
Parap Newsagency
Paspaley Pearling Company
Reidy’s Lures
Rice Art
Road Tech Marine
Royal Matthews
Sarah Lyn Boutique
Splash Swim & Resort Wear
Soul Essence on the Bay
Supercheap Auto
Tackle World
Kyle Burton

Thank you for making our Sapphire Ball such a special night, and for helping us raise vital funds for DSANT’s programs. 💙

07/10/2025

✨ Sapphire Ball Raffle Winners ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who purchased tickets in our 45th Anniversary Sapphire Ball raffle — your support helps DSANT continue delivering programs and opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their families across the NT.

Congratulations to our winners!
Lauren M, Jeremy R, Dion S, Jesswyn Y, Andrew H, Matt C, Sheree S, Richard H, Phil R, Pauline H, Nikki W, Sally D, Deb J, Hari O, Anicet K, Edward B, Maria Z, Banjo M, Margy P, Julieta L, Melissa G, Cameron T, Perliosa M, Ros H, Joe L, Steve M, Jasmine R, Trevor G, Desiree E.

1st Prize Paspaley pearl bracelet won by Lauren Middleton
2nd Prize Gardens Link Golf Course 1 year membership won by Jeremy Richardson
3rd Prize DCOH Marriott Darwin package won by Dion Siviour

Thank you again to everyone who participated and supported DSANT through the raffle — every ticket sold makes a difference! 💙

06/10/2025

What an unforgettable night! On Saturday 6 September, our community came together to celebrate 45 years of Down Syndrome Association of the Northern Territory, at the Sapphire Ball. It was truly magical.

From the sparkle of the ballroom and the joy on the dance floor, to our heartwarming performances, and moving personal stories, the night reflected everything DSANT stands for: connection, inclusion, and opportunity.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended, purchased raffle tickets, volunteered, and supported us. A special thank you to our generous sponsors for making this milestone possible:
Funds raised on the night will go directly towards DSANT programs, helping ensure people with Down syndrome have the same chances to learn, grow and thrive.

Here’s to 45 years of advocacy and inclusion, and many more to come.

📸 Enjoy some highlights from the evening below

06/10/2025

💙✨ Sapphire Ball 2025 ✨💙

What an unforgettable night! On Saturday 6 September, our community came together to celebrate 45 years of Down Syndrome Association of the Northern Territory, at the Sapphire Ball. It was truly magical.

From the sparkle of the ballroom and the joy on the dance floor, to our heartwarming performances, and moving personal stories, the night reflected everything DSANT stands for: connection, inclusion, and opportunity.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended, purchased raffle tickets, volunteered, and supported us. A special thank you to our generous sponsors for making this milestone possible:
Funds raised on the night will go directly towards DSANT programs, helping ensure people with Down syndrome have the same chances to learn, grow and thrive.

Here’s to 45 years of advocacy and inclusion, and many more to come.

📸 Enjoy some highlights from the evening below

08/09/2025

06/09/2025

🌸🎁 Raffle Prize Partner Spotlight: Fernwood Women’s Health Club Darwin 💜🎁

We’re excited to thank Fernwood Fitness Darwin for their generous raffle prize donation to the 2025 Sapphire Ball!

🌟 “Our goal at Fernwood Fitness Darwin is to empower women to shine, by giving them the confidence they need to succeed in all they do.” 🌟

Every woman joins Fernwood to find the health, fitness, and wellness journey that matters to them. With a community of 90,000 strong (and growing), Fernwood is home to supportive and seriously incredible women who have chosen it as their place for fitness, wellness, and health.

We’re grateful for Fernwood’s support in helping us celebrate inclusion and raise vital funds for individuals with Down syndrome and their families 💙

06/09/2025

🟥🎁 Raffle Prize Partner Spotlight: Parap Newsagency 🔵🎁

A big thank you to Parap Newsagency for their generous donation of a raffle prize for the 2025 Sapphire Ball!

Located in the heart of Parap and proudly part of the Newspower family, this beloved local business is more than just a newsagency—it’s a community hub. Their support helps us raise vital funds to continue our work with individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Northern Territory.

We’re grateful for their contribution and commitment to making a difference 💙

06/09/2025

🟩🎁 Raffle Prize Partner Spotlight: Bunnings 🟥🎁

A huge thank you to Bunnings for their generous support of the 2025 Sapphire Ball through the donation of a fantastic raffle prize!

Bunnings is more than just a hardware store—they’re a true community partner. Their contribution helps us raise vital funds to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Northern Territory.

We’re grateful for their commitment to giving back and helping us create a night full of joy, inclusion, and celebration 💚❤️

05/09/2025

🔵🏗️ Table Sponsor Spotlight: Exact Contracting 🔷🏗️
Territory born, Building Australia

We’re proud to welcome Exact Contracting as a Table Sponsor for the 2025 Sapphire Ball!

Exact Contracting is an Australian-owned company established in Alice Springs in 1992. With operations across the civil, mining, and water industries, they deliver innovative and cost-effective projects for both government and private clients Australia-wide.

Employing over 500 people nationally, Exact Contracting is highly regarded for its capability to safely deliver quality services and products to its customers.

For over 33 years, they’ve been investing in people—through apprenticeships, mentoring, on-the-job training, and giving newcomers a chance. Their commitment to upskilling the workforce creates long-term impact not just for employees, but for the towns and communities they live in.

We’re incredibly grateful for their support, helping us create a night of celebration and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families 💙

05/09/2025

⚫🌿 Sponsor & Raffle Partner Spotlight: Soul Essence on the Bay 🟡🎁
A Taste of Soul, A Gift from the Heart

We’re honoured to welcome Soul Essence on the Bay as a Silver Level Sponsor and raffle prize donor for the 2025 Sapphire Ball!

Located at the picturesque Cullen Bay Marina, Soul Essence offers a dining experience infused with native Australian flavours, Territory spirit, and a deep connection to community. Their support of the Sapphire Ball reflects their commitment to inclusion, generosity, and celebrating the essence of what makes the NT so special.

Their raffle prize donation adds even more magic to the evening, helping us raise vital funds for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Thank you, Soul Essence, for bringing warmth, flavour, and heart to this unforgettable night 💙