People all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome on March 21st each year, as it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome internationally.
However it was not simply a day for us in Queensland, it was a week of celebrations! We started on 16 March with a gala in Townsville and finished on Sunday 24 March with the Everton Park Neighbourhood Day and Easter Hunt. With so many photos and memories, 2024 was one of our best.
This year, the theme is “End the Stereotypes.”
It’s all about highlighting how stereotypes can hold people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability back.
These stereotypes can lead to being left out, not taken seriously, not getting help and sometimes even being mistreated.
See below for more about our World Down Syndrome Day activities:
- Parliament House
- Government House
- Townsville Gala
Parliament House
The DSQ Brew coffee was flowing at Parliament House as we made coffee and gave cupcakes to all the members of Parliament. This was able to start lots of meaningful conversations and exposure to our leading people.
Government House
Our Patron and the Governor of Qld, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, hosted our community at Government House for afternoon tea. To further recognise this important day, Government House was lit up with blue and yellow to raise awareness for Down syndrome.
Townsville Gala
In the lead up to World Down Syndrome Day, we hosted our first Townsville Gala Dinner. We had over 160 people attend and contribute to raising money through raffles, auctions and games, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to the volunteers and attendees that made this wonderful event so successful!
Watch the video to get to know more about our amazing community in North Queensland.
