Down Syndrome NSW

18/11/2025

Congratulations to our Ambassador, Julian Maroun!

We are delighted to share that Dependent has been nominated for the 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best Short Film. The film is co-created by our Down Syndrome NSW Ambassador, Julian Maroun, and features his brother Luke, who is also a valued member of Down Syndrome NSW. Luke stars alongside Julian in a moving portrayal of brotherhood, care and the complexities of family life.

Dependent follows Julian, a devoted young carer, and his younger brother Luke, who has Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Set in Western Sydney, the film explores the love, challenges and interdependence that shape their daily lives.

When Julian receives a difficult health diagnosis and external events weigh heavily on the family, the brothers must navigate uncertainty together, leaning on their bond to move forward. The film has been recognised for its honesty, emotional depth and respectful representation of disability, care and agency.

We are incredibly proud of Julian and Luke, and grateful for the way they continue to bring visibility, authenticity and heart to the Down syndrome community.

We will share details soon on where you can watch the film and will keep our members and followers updated.

16/11/2025

Wrap someone in joy this Christmas

These aren’t just socks they’re a way to share the joy!

Every pair sold supports programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Share the joy by grabbing your socks today!

Purchase socks here: https://www.posisocks.com/collections/down-syndrome-nsw/DSNSW

15/11/2025

We’re inviting adults with Down syndrome (18 and over) from the Blue Mountains to our upcoming UP! Club event, Spring Your Confidence!

Join our Spring in Your Step Retreat participants for an afternoon and evening of fun, learning, and connection. Take part in a confidence building workshop facilitated Me Plus More, followed by dinner and a dance party!

This event is free to join, and transport will be available from surrounding areas so everyone can join in the fun. Spaces are limited, so get your tickets now!

Registrations close on Tuesday 18th November at 11.55pm: https://events.humanitix.com/spring-your-confidence-with-me-plus-more-and-up-club

14/11/2025

🍕 What a delicious day!

Our UP! UP! and Away Pizza Making Party at Enzo’s Cucina over the weekend was a huge success, filled with laughter, creativity, and flying pizza dough!

It was wonderful seeing so many kids rolling up their sleeves, making their very own pizzas, and enjoying the fun together in such an inclusive and welcoming space.

A big thank you to for hosting us and to all the families who joined in the fun. You made it a truly special day!

13/11/2025

Could your teen (aged 15-17) be the next face on an Australian reality show?

We’re taking Expressions of Interest from families who have a teenager with Down syndrome who may like to be involved in an upcoming season of an existing Australian reality TV series.

This is a wonderful opportunity for positive representation and to showcase the strengths and personalities of young people with Down syndrome.

For more information, please email us at: admin@downsyndromensw.org.au

12/11/2025

Back by popular demand, and this time for UP! Clubbers!

We warmly invite UP! Club members aged 16 and over to roll up their sleeves for a hands-on pizza making class where you’ll learn, create, and enjoy your very own pizza fresh from the oven.

Please note: For participants aged 16 and 17, a parent or carer is required to attend and remain on-site.

This event is free to join, made possible through the Growing, Connected project supported by the DSS Social and Community Participation grant. Spaces are limited to 10 participants, so be sure to register soon to secure your spot.

📅 Date: Sunday 23 November
🕚 Time: 11.00am - 1.00pm
📍 Location: Enzo’s Cucina, Northmead Shopping Centre, Shop 1 2/6 Campbell St

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/up-club-pizza-making-class-with-enzo-s-cucina

12/11/2025

We're on our way to Lithgow! On Friday 21 November, Down Syndrome NSW will be hosting a Community Consultation and Morning Tea as part of our Growing, Connected project. We’d love to hear your thoughts on what services and supports would most benefit the local community. It’s also a wonderful chance to connect with other families, share ideas, and enjoy some morning tea on us.

📅 Friday 21 November 2025
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 The Lithgow Tin Shed, 69 Bridge Street, Lithgow
☕ Morning tea provided

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/growing-connected-lithgow-community-consultation-and-social-event

11/11/2025

Last October marked two years since Fuzz Ali became an ambassador for Down Syndrome NSW!

In that time, Fuzz has:
- Donated his time to run cooking classes for our Social Club program as well as UP! For Fun
- Served as Master of Ceremonies at multiple events
- Interviewed members to share their stories in our Mother to Mother and Father to Father booklets, as well as during our Advocacy Filming Day
- Fundraised to support our work
- Appeared in campaign videos to raise awareness about Down syndrome
- Attended DSNSW events to show his support
- Shared our message through social media

We are so grateful to Fuzz for generously sharing his skills, time, and passion with our community.

10/11/2025

This festive season, make every gift count.

Join Down Syndrome NSW in our Share the Joy campaign and help create more opportunities for people with
Down syndrome to connect, celebrate, and thrive.
Choose from our meaningful sock for the perfect gift for friends, family, loved ones or even a great client gift
with proceeds directly supporting families across NSW.

Purchase today: https://www.posisocks.com/collections/down-syndrome-nsw/DSNSW

10/11/2025

Last October marked two years since Mitch and Mark became ambassadors for Down Syndrome NSW!

In that time, they have:

- Introduced us to incredible partners
- Chose Down Syndrome NSW as their charity of choice during their participation on The Big Trip TV Show. After winning the show they gifted a car to one DSNSW family
- Fundraised to support our work
- Appeared in campaign videos to raise awareness about Down syndrome
- Attended multiple DSNSW events to show their support and get photos with the multiple fans they have in every room
- Shared our message through social media

We are so grateful to Mitch and Mark for their generosity, passion, and ongoing commitment to our community.

10/11/2025

Olivia and Bec were in Dubbo last week attending the Western NSW Local Health District Health Conference, focused on inclusive health practices.

While there, they also caught up with members of our Down Syndrome NSW community for a special consultation and social evening as part of our Growing, Connected project.

These gatherings help us connect with local community members, learn more about the services already available, and provide space to share ideas and feedback on what supports would make a meaningful difference for people with Down syndrome and their families in the Western NSW region.

Thank you to everyone who came along to share your experiences, insights and hopes for the future.

06/11/2025

Register now.

The NDIA is running online sessions to explain changes to the NDIS for participants, families and carers.

Topics include:

- Support needs assessments
- The new way of planning
- Funding periods
- Impairment information
- Other legislative reforms

Session dates:

Thursday 6 November | 11:00am–12:00pm
Thursday 13 November | 6:00pm–7:00pm
Thursday 20 November | 1:00pm–2:00pm

Learn more and register:

https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-understanding-the-ndis-overview-of-changes-to-ndis-legislation-november?_gl=1%2A1paogoy%2A_gcl_au%2ANzQ4MDc4NzIyLjE3NTgwODgxNDAuMTYxMTUwNzU2MS4xNzU5OTgzMzgzLjE3NTk5ODMzODM.%2A_ga%2AMTIwNTU1MDgzNy4xNzQyMzU5NzI1%2A_ga_LHKW5FR9N6%2AczE3NjA1NzkwNzIkbzI2MiRnMSR0MTc2MDU3OTc4MyRqNDkkbDAkaDA.