Families Weekend 2008 - Dubbo

Families' Weekend is an annual DS NSW event, alternating between metropolitan and rural venues, This year's Families' Weekend was held in Dubbo 17th - 19th October, coinciding with Down Syndrome Awareness Week. The weather was very kind, the company excellent, and was judged a great success.

The families were all from the Central West and Western Districts of NSW, so had much in common, as well as much to learn from each other.

The kids enjoyed an activities program on Saturday while their parents had the option to attend a number of workshops with DS NSW staff and guest speakers. The program was supported and supervised by volunteers from the local area - we thank them for their involvement.

Older teens and adults with Down syndrome enjoyed their own program of activities and entertainment.

Phil Davidson entertained with fabulous music, and a Families' Weekend adaptation of Spicks and Specks.

On Sunday morning the visit to Western Plains Zoo was a great hit, with the kids and the grown-ups.

We hear that many plans for future get-togethers between the families were made.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in making it such a success!

Organisation and planning for Families' Weekend, and the program costs are funded by NSW Health, under the NSW Carers Program, and by Down Syndrome NSW.