We warmly invite DSV families from Bendigo and surrounding areas to join us for an evening of conversation and connection.
Dates
Date: Friday 7 August 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (VIC)
Location
Mercure Bendigo Schaller, 60 Lucan Street, Bendigo
About the event
We will begin with an engaging Q&A panel hosted by Daniel Kennedy, Down Syndrome Advisory Network staff member, featuring Daniel Payne, DSV’s CEO, and Michael Lazenby, Club21 and FitSkills21 Facilitator.
Dinner and networking will follow. A main meal and one non-alcoholic drink will be provided courtesy of Down Syndrome Victoria.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other local families, hear about current initiatives and ask questions about the issues that matter most to our community.
This event it for DSV Members only.
Places are limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment. Please register one ticket for each person attending. RSVPs close Monday 3 August at 9am.
To register
To register, please visit our online registration page.
Panel members and host
Daniel Payne
Dan commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome Victoria in 2019. He is known to many in the Down Syndrome Victoria community as he has been an active member since 2010 and served on the board from 2016-19. He brings a great balance of advocacy, empathy, understanding of our sector, commercial focus and positive energy. Dan is an active and engaged father to three beautiful children – Holly, Abby, and Tyson. His 16-year-old twin daughter, Holly, has Down syndrome. Dan is motivated and privileged to work alongside people with Down syndrome and their families to reach their potential and live the life they choose.
Michael Lazenby
Mike is a passionate disability support professional based in Bendigo. He has a strong commitment to empowering people with Down syndrome and other neurodivergent individuals to achieve their goals and build independence. Through his involvement with Down Syndrome Victoria’s FitSkills21 and Club21 programs, Mike has developed valuable experience supporting participants to grow in confidence, develop life skills and engage meaningfully within their communities.
Mike is driven by the belief that every person deserves opportunities to thrive, connect and reach their full potential.
Daniel Kennedy
Daniel is passionate about helping people with Down syndrome in regional Victoria. Daniel wants to help support his community to get and keep jobs.
Daniel enjoys volunteering at his local op shop, where he gets to meaningfully contribute to recycling clothes.
Daniel loves going to Fitskills21 every Friday, where he gets to enjoy the company of his friends while getting fit. “FitSkills21 is fun, I get to meet new people. I like to be healthy and see my friends.”
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