Over 500 people turned out to Werribee Zoo on Sunday 22 March for our annual Family Fun Day to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
It was a wonderful sunny day, with clear blue skies and plenty of smiling faces – such a joyful and memorable day for everyone involved.
Connecting with community
The morning started out with a welcome from Dan Payne CEO and Emily as MC, a Lived Experience Advisor, along with Kate, a MyTime Play Leader, with an Acknowledgement of County.
Dan revealed the introduction of dedicated connection opportunities at this year’s event, Connection Sessions, based on last year’s feedback. The session groups were categorised as Families with children up to 12 years, Families with teenagers, Families with adults, Dads and male carers, Siblings, Regional families, and grandparents.
“If everyone leaves here today having met at least one new person or made one new connection, it would be a wonderful outcome”, Dan mentioned in his welcoming speech.
Event highlights
Along with the Connection Sessions, activities included the annual raffle with prizes, a photobooth, tug of war, large-scale checkers, noughts and crosses and connect 5, a bubble artist and dressed- up cartoon characters, the BAM Arts performance group with interactive dancing, and a dance party and DJ set from DJ Seb. I enjoyed the dancing and music most of all, it was great to see everyone get involved.
I spoke to Tammy from Mount Martha, there supporting her brother Jay who participated in the BAM Arts dance troupe for the first time this year. Jay’s mother and family friend were also there from Tasmania to show their support.
Tristan was another first-time participant, with his mum, whose favourite of the day was Super Woman.
Andrew, a new dad, was taking part of the Connection Sessions. I pulled him over to ask what his highlights had been. “I’ve had two highlights. I loved watching the musical performance, my baby daughter joined in, and I love meeting all the staff and families. Everyone is so lovely”.
Sarah Agterhuis from Werribee Zoo has been working closely with the DSV on these Family Fun Day events for four years. She spoke too and mentioned that this event was a highlight of her year, and shared the news of the zoo expecting three baby elephants!
A personal highlight for me was spotting a young girl with a t-shirt that read ‘My brother’s got more chromosomes than your brother’ and then to see the brother’s t-shirt that said ‘I’ve got more chromosomes than you’. This kind of camaraderie and loving support melts my heart.
Congratulations to Emily for her excellent job as MC, and Brendan our DSV President reading out the raffle winning tickets, along with the correct guess of the balloons in a jar (congratulations Josh!). Everyone’s input made the day run smoothly and it was easy to be a part of.
The safari buses were running as usual, and the chance to wander the grounds and see the animals. I headed straight for the gorillas to watch them having lunch with their family, it’s a great reminder of how important strong bonds and connections are. Hopefully I get to share their bananas next time.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for people with Down syndrome and their families to come together – it feels truly meaningful to connect, socialise in a welcoming environment and enjoy the day. Being part of it plays an important role in building a strong sense of belonging and togetherness.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the day: our incredible team of volunteers Connor, Verity, Virginia, Nadine, Fransiska and Justine, the staff at Werribee Zoo, the DSV team and, of course, our wonderful guests!
I’m already looking forward to next year.
Colby Hickey
DSV Advisory Network Vice Chairperson
