News

We’re thrilled to share a monthly update from the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) – a national group of people with Down syndrome who meet fortnightly to build their skills and share their views.

DSAN October Monthly Update

DSWA E-News September 2025

DSWA E-News September 2025 Our September E-news is out now! Check your email inbox for updates on Step UP and Dance, Parents Barefoot Bowls event, FRiends for Life and Aim High Hikes, Ready for Work Program and plus lots more! Keep up to date with everything happening at DSWA… Read More

DSWA Mentors Wanted

DSWA Mentors Wanted Mentors Wanted: Support Someone’s Journey into Meaningful Work Do you have a passion for helping others succeed? Or do you know someone who does? DSWA is looking for caring and committed individuals to mentor our members as they begin their journey into open employment. This rewarding… Read More

Meet the volunteers behind The Perfect Gift

In 2019, Cathy Gibb, a Maternal Child Health Nurse, approached Down Syndrome Victoria with an idea and The Perfect Gift Australia and DSV developed a special partnership. This collaboration aims to ensure that every family welcoming a child with Down syndrome receives a beautifully curated gift box, symbolising a warm… Read More

Larapinta Challange wrap-up

Our intrepid trekkers are all back home now after completing the DSV Larapinta Challenge 2025, but we’d like to share some of their adventures with you. Day 1 On the first day, the group met up in Alice Springs and were greeted with a blazing 33 degrees so they adapted the… Read More

Victoria-wide MyTime events in October

National Carers Week from 12 to 18 October, celebrating the huge contribution that carers make in our community. Over thirty events have been organised across Victoria, designed to honour and raise awareness for the vital role carers play in our communities. From morning teas to pamper sessions, have a look… Read More

Sue’s story: a carer’s perspective

“I don’t know that I’ve ever actually seen myself as a carer.” Like many carers, Sue’s journey began gradually. As her mother aged, Sue started helping to care for her brother Nick, who has Down syndrome. Later, when her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,… Read More

DSWA Medical Student Presentation

DSWA Medical Student Presentation DSWAAN member Adam, and our Senior Coordinator Nikki, had a fantastic time visiting 2nd year medical students at Curtin University last week! The students were incredibly engaged and had lots of thoughtful, insightful questions for Adam and Nikki after the presentation. DSWA create tailored… Read More

DSWA Migration News from DSA

Excellent migration news for family members with Down syndrome Down Syndrome Australia recently announced the changes on their website at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/…/09/11/migration-news/… Read More

DSWA Playgroups Toy Donation

DSWA Playgroups Toy Donation All August our generous families from Playgroups North and South, along with The West Australian Newspaper, have been collecting stuffed toys. Wheelchairs For Kids is a volunteer-based not-for-profit organisation providing the transformative gift of mobility to children in impoverished and under resourced communities both in… Read More

Migration News

11 September 2025 Excellent migration news for family members with Down syndrome Down Syndrome Australia is very happy to announce positive changes in one of our key advocacy areas relating to education costs for children with a disability such as Down syndrome applying for a visa. These changes mean that… Read More