31 March 2026
Our state and territory partners celebrated World Down Syndrome Day in many different ways this year. It was great to see communities coming together across the country to celebrate and connect.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a special screening of GOAT at Limelight Cinemas.
Families came together to enjoy the film, spend time together and celebrate the day.
ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability community members attended the World Down Syndrome Day Celebration at Parliament House. It was wonderful to have our community in the same room as ministers, parliamentary representatives, and government officials.
Speakers at the event included Matthew Barrett, a member of the ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Advocacy Reference Group and Annie Lee, ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Committee Member, and the ACT representative on the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN).
New South Wales
Down Syndrome NSW celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a school community event at Beresford Road Public School.
Staff, students, families and community members came together to learn, connect and celebrate inclusion. Parents Katrina and Ruth also shared their experiences, helping build understanding and connection across the school.
Down Syndrome NSW team members Chris Bunton and Alison Maunder were an important part of the day. Chris spoke about his life, including how sport has shaped his life and the importance of self-belief, persistence and advocacy.
It was a great example of how inclusion can be part of everyday life and make a difference for everyone.
Queensland
Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland celebrated World Down Syndrome Day across several events.
This included a visit to Government House, a community breakfast at Victoria Park with more than 150 people, and family picnics on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
It was fantastic to see so many people come together to connect, support one another and celebrate.
South Australia
Down Syndrome Community of South Australia celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with an event at Government House, hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and Mr Bunten.
Around 250 community members came together for a wonderful day of connection and celebration. The event reflected this year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, with a strong sense of community and belonging.
It was also a special moment to announce the new organisation, Down Syndrome Community South Australia, with strong support from the community.
Tasmania
Down Syndrome Tasmania celebrated World Down Syndrome Day as part of their annual camp at Camp Clayton in Ulverstone.
Families enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of activities, including laser tag, beach time, workshops and more. There was plenty to keep kids busy and lots of chances for everyone to join in.
It was a fun and lively way to connect, spend time together and celebrate the day.
Victoria
Down Syndrome Victoria celebrated World Down Syndrome Day 2026 with two community events.
At Parliament House Victoria, advocates, leaders and families came together to talk about inclusion and the strength of community.
The celebrations continued at their Family Fun Day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, welcoming more than 530 community members for a fun day of connection and belonging.
Guided by this year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, the events focused on building community and connection.
Western Australia
Down Syndrome WA celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with their annual community picnic and, for the first time, a zipline fundraiser.
Members of their community, including people with Down syndrome, family members and supporters, ziplined from Matagarup Bridge in Perth.
Their community gathered below to picnic, cheer and celebrate, making it a fantastic and memorable day.
