Down Syndrome NSW

21/04/2026

2 days left register now!

Only 2 days until the My Health Choices My Way webinar!

*Tag 3 people who should join the webinar
*Register here: https://tinyurl.com/myhcmyw

My Health Choices My Way: How We Are Transforming Health Care Transitions for Young People with Intellectual Disability

In this webinar, our team will share:

*What the problem is and why it matters
*What we are going to do about it
*How we are making sure the people most affected are leading the way

When? Thursday 23 April 2026
What time? 12–1pm (AEST)
Where? Online via Zoom

21/04/2026

Planning for Puberty: Navigating Planet Puberty with Family Planning Australia

Wondering how to support your child through puberty? You’re not alone.

Join us for a practical and supportive session designed for parents and carers, where we’ll explore how to approach tricky topics, build confidence, and access helpful resources.

✨ Learn how to start conversations
✨ Gain tools to support your child
✨ Connect with others on a similar journey

Meet your presenters:
Erin an experienced educator passionate about supporting families to navigate puberty with confidence and care.
Bernadette a health professional from Family Planning Australia, bringing expert knowledge in sexual health and wellbeing.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Family Planning Australia for their valued partnership and support in delivering this session.

📅 Don’t miss out, come along and feel more prepared for the journey ahead.

Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 11:00am - 12:30am
(1-hour workshop + 30-minute Q&A)

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/planning-for-puberty-navigating-planet-puberty-for-parents-and-carers-with-family-planning-australia

20/04/2026

We invite all members to explore the Ageing Well with Down Syndrome resources developed by Down Syndrome Australia in partnership with nib foundation - https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/national/about-us/our-work/ageing-well-with-down-syndrome/

As part of this important initiative, a short survey has been created to gather feedback on how useful these resources are for individuals, families, and supporters.

Your input will help improve and shape future resources for the community.

👉 Take the survey: Ageing Well with Down Syndrome Resources

20/04/2026

You’re warmly invited!

Sleep Breathing Disorders in Infancy and Early Childhood (Ages 0–3 years)

We are pleased to welcome Associate Professor Jasneek Chawla (Jas), a respiratory and sleep specialist at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, and Lead of the Kids Sleep Research Group at the University of Queensland. Jas has a special interest in sleep in children with Down syndrome and completed her PhD in this field.

In this workshop, Jas will explore sleep breathing disorders in infancy and early childhood, with a focus on the role of CPAP in managing obstructive sleep apnoea. Topics will include:

✨ An overview of sleep breathing problems in children with Down syndrome
✨ When CPAP is required and how it works
✨ Benefits and challenges of CPAP therapy
✨ Practical tips and strategies for starting and maintaining treatment

Jas will be joined by CN and NP-in-training Megan Angliss, an experienced sleep nurse from QCH.
We look forward to seeing you there for this informative and supportive session!

Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
(1-hour workshop + 30-minute Q&A)

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/sleep-breathing-disorders-in-infancy-and-early-childhood-workshop

20/04/2026

18/04/2026

Ready to start or grow your own business?

Join our Microbusiness Workshop and learn how to make it happen.
- Build your skills
- Grow your business
- Apply for a $2,000–$5,000 grant

Only workshop participants can apply - don’t miss your chance!
For more information email partnerships@downsyndromensw.org.au or register here: https://events.humanitix.com/microbusiness-workshop?_gl=1*1balfdp*_gcl_au*MTIzMjQyODY3LjE3NzU1MjAwMzc.*_ga*NDUwMzIwMDA5LjE3NTA3MzYyMzQ.*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NzYxNDU0NDUkbzE0NiRnMSR0MTc3NjE0NTQ1OSRqNDYkbDAkaDA.

17/04/2026

Do you feel that chill in the air? Autumn camp is officially here!

Save the date and express your interest now, to join us on the Golden Leaves Getaway. More info coming soon!

We welcome UP! Clubbers to join us for a weekend of falling autumn leaves, adventure, connection, good food, music, and a trip to the famous Hunter Wildlife Park!

Date: Friday 29th – Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: Hunter Valley, NSW
Cost: Approximately $2100 including out of pocket costs and transport.

Registrations close 1st May, 2026 at 11:55pm - Secure your spot now!

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/up-club-camp-autumn-2026

12/04/2026

🏃‍♂️ Join Team DSNSW at City2Surf 2026!
Down Syndrome NSW is excited to be part of the Voltaren City2Surf 2026.

Last year, places in this iconic event sold out quickly, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot and start planning your fundraising journey.

By joining Team DSNSW, you’ll be helping raise vital funds to support people with Down syndrome and their families.

Create your fundraising page and get started:
https://city2surf26.grassrootz.com/dsnsw

10/04/2026

Calling all teens and adults with Down syndrome . Are you ready to dance the day away?!

We are excited to announce FREE dance party this June, thanks to kind sponsors, Eleah.

DISCO SOCIAL – Dance the Day Away!
For people with Down syndrome (13 years+), family member/carer, and/or support worker.

What to expect:
Canapes
Non-alcoholic drinks (alcoholic drinks available to purchase at bar)
DJ and dancefloor
Rainbow theme! Dress up as your favourite colour or all the colours of the rainbow!

We hope to see you for an afternoon of good food, music, dancing, and company.

Spots are limited. For more information and to register, click the link below. Groups/families are limited to 3 tickets each.
Link: https://events.humanitix.com/dsnsw-disco-party

09/04/2026

In March, we held our first Central Coast Growing, Connected event, Understanding Regulation and Behaviour, a free workshop for parents and carers facilitated by the knowledgeable Bec Penfold from Coastwide Therapy Services. The session offered families practical insights into behaviour through a nervous system lens, exploring how responses like fight, flight, and freeze are connected to regulation and communication, and sharing simple strategies to support children at home. We were so pleased to see such strong engagement from the local community and to support families in a practical and meaningful way. If you missed out on this wonderful workshop, don’t forget to tune in to our upcoming online session with Bec, taking place on Thursday 23 April! Register here:

While there, we were also pleased to donate a collection of books featuring characters with Down syndrome to Erina Library Central Coast Council. These books were donated by members of our community on behalf of DSNSW, and we hope they will positively impact the local community, helping to raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance.

08/04/2026

💐 Celebrating the Mums in Our Community this Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, we want to celebrate the incredible mums within the Down Syndrome NSW community.

We’d love to hear from you! Please share a photo along with a short message about what you love most about being a mum. These special submissions will be featured across our social media, website, and newsletter as part of our Mother’s Day celebrations.

Send your images and message to: partnerships@downsyndromensw.org.au
Submission deadline: 30 April

Join us in celebrating the love, strength, and dedication of the amazing mums in our community

07/04/2026

Tara, a long time volunteer with the NSW SES presented to her peers at the SES as part of World Down Syndrome Day celebrations.

Check out her talk below!