Scrapheap Adventure Ride returns for the eighth year - the biggest and best ride yet!

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is a unique fundraising event which involves motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country purchasing a bike for no more than $1000 and doing it up for an adventure ride through the Aussie outback, all while raising money for people with Down syndrome.

Last year we had a blast at Four Corners Farm Stay in Nymagee. We had 101 riders and together we raised over $97,000! This year we are aiming to top that and raise a new record of over $100,000 with100 plus riders.

Our destination for 2017 is Green Valley Farm near Tingha, which in turn is near Inverell in Northern NSW. We will be camping and Scrapping on the weekend of September 29 to October 1.

We will have the Adventure Moto Ride departing Wisemans Ferry at 8am on Thursday September 28. Warren Sakey, once again, has a great ride planned and we will be overnighting at Quirindi. More details to follow.

As always, there will be an Adventure ride loop on the Saturday where we are sure there will be thrills and possibly a few spills. On Saturday evening, there will be plenty of fun and entertainment for the whole family, including open mic music during our celebratory dinner auction and awards ceremony.

Of course, the best part of any Scrapheap is catching up with your mates and the friendly competition between teams and raising money for Down Syndrome Australia/NSW. However raising money is not our only objective as I am sure there will be a few drinks raised over the weekend as well.

Remember it is a family weekend and Green Valley farm also offers a wealth of activities for everyone including the kids, so why not bring the whole support crew!

Catering packages and accommodation options info will be provided shortly.

The registration this year is $100 for all bikes (Scrapper or non-scrapper), Please help us make this the most successful and fun year ever.

If you can't join us, we hope you will be able to sponsor one of this year's riders or teams. Make sure you connect with other Scrappers on Facebook by joining the Scrapheap group.

www.scrapheapadventureride.com.au

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2017: Team Inverell in the news

Much appreciated continuing support for Scrapheap Adventure Ride from Inverell, in northern NSW:

Inverell's Scrapheap Adventure Riders prepare for first Down Syndrome NSW fundraiser
Naomi Shumak, The Inverell Times, 17 May 2017

Brendon, Emi and Ashleigh Campbell

... Each year, the Scrapheap Adventure Riders take up the challenge of buying a bike for less than $1000, doing whatever is needed to make it roadworthy and taking it through the outback; all while raising funds for Down Syndrome NSW.

“I’ve blown a few bikes up, but it’s all the enjoyment and fun of it,” rider Joe Bliss said.

Local Brendon Campbell said the ride meant a lot to his family, especially daughter Emi, who has down syndrome.

“Our family has benefitted from NSW Down Syndrome Association with support and events since Emi was born. Joining this is part of our way of helping to give back,” he said ...

• Scrapheap Adventure Ride on Facebook

Event for adult brothers and sisters: Sydney

A gathering of adults who have a sibling with Down syndrome. Enjoy a get together, support each other and make friends:

Mr Tipply's - The Attic Room 

347 Kent Street (cnr King St) Sydney 

5.30 - 10.30 pm Friday 19 May 2017 

No cost - food and drinks available for purchase 

To register contact Down Syndrome NSW:

• ph 9841 4444

• email admin@dsansw.org.au

• register online here

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2017 - Tingha, NSW

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is a unique fundraising event which involves motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country purchasing a bike for no more than $1000 and doing it up for an adventure ride through the Aussie outback, all while raising money for people with Down syndrome.

In just six years the event has raised nearly $500,000 for Down Syndrome NSW.
Riders begin their journey at home or wherever they like but arrive at the same destination.

This year that destination is Green Valley Farm, Tingha, in North Western NSW, where all ‘Scrappers’ plus family and friends will meet for a weekend of fun and entertainment at a campsite from September 29 to October 1.

Our target for 2017 is 100 riders raising $100,000 for Down Syndrome NSW. So what are you waiting for? Click here to join the 2017 Scrapheap Adventure Ride.

If you’re not a rider, you can support the Scrapheap Adventure Ride and Down Syndrome NSW by sponsoring a rider or just donating to the cause.

T4321 High Tea Shangri-La Sydney

This annual event celebrates the lives and achievements of our friends with Down syndrome and their families, for World Down Syndrome Day.

2 - 4pm Saturday 18th March, 2017 

Shangri La Hotel Sydney
176 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney

$65 per head

• Register here

2016 Baby Day in 2017

Down Syndrome NSW would love to invite all families with children under 2 years old to our Annual Baby Day. 

It will be an opportunity to meet other families and their babies, to share stories and experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask the Down Syndrome NSW team your questions and learn more about Down syndrome.

10.30am - 2.00pm Saturday 11 March 2017 

Fitzroy Centre,  Burwood 2134 (Enter from Fitzroy Street) 

RSVP by the 9 March 2017  

Robyn MacDonald, Information and Support,  Down Syndrome NSW
information@dsansw.org.au or 02 9841 4444

Stepping Stones PPP webinar series - register by 7 March 2017

3 free webinars on parenting children 

with Down syndrome aged 2 to 12 

Wednesdays 8, 15, 22 March 2017

12 - 1.30 pm

Australia wide access

See this post for details of content and how to register

Register by 7 March

Book now - early bird registration closing next Tuesday

Down Syndrome NSW Education Conference 

    

23 and 24 March 2017

SYDNEY

     

Early bird registration closes

28 February 2017

Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhonda Faragher - senior lecturer in mathematics education, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane 

Dr Kelly Burgoyne - formerly at Down Syndrome Education International, currently Senior Research Fellow, Psychology, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane

Other speakers: 

Leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

An essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Flyer and program details 

• Booking details and registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website

Early bird registration extended

DS NSW Education Conference 2017
    

23 and 24 March 2017

SYDNEY
     
Early bird registration
extended until 
28 February 2017

Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhonda Faragher - senior lecturer in mathematics education, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane 

Dr Kelly Burgoyne - formerly at Down Syndrome Education International, currently Senior Research Fellow, Psychology, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane

Other speakers: 

Leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

An essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Flyer and program details 

• Booking details and registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website. 

• Early bird registration closes 28 February 2017

Down Syndrome NSW education conference 2017

 

     23 and 24 MARCH 2017

     SYDNEY





Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhonda Faragher - senior lecturer in mathematics education, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane 

Dr Kelly Burgoyne - formerly at Down Syndrome Education International, currently Senior Research Fellow, Psychology, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane

Other speakers: 

Leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

An essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Flyer and program details 

• Booking details and registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website. Early bird registration closes 31 January 2017.

Free webinar series: Stepping Stones Triple P

Are you a parent / carer of a child with Down syndrome? 

As part of the Stepping Stones Triple P Project, Down Syndrome NSW invites all parents of children with Down syndrome aged 2 to 12 to attend the following FREE parenting webinar series: 

Seminar 1: Positive Parenting for Children With a Disability 

Positive parenting is an effective approach to raising children that emphasises the positive. It involves creating a family environment that is loving, supportive and predictable. This is important in raising healthy, well-adjusted children who will reach their potential and have rewarding relationships with others. Positive parenting reduces the stress of parenting and makes it more enriching and enjoyable.

Wednesday 8th of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminar 2: Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential 

All children need to develop skills to help them become independent, to get on with others and to reach their potential. While children can pick up some skills simply by watching others, children with disabilities often need a more structured approach. This seminar focuses on how to teach children important new skills and behaviours by following six key steps.

Wednesday 15th of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminar 3: Changing Problem Behaviour into Positive Behaviour 

Children with disabilities are more at risk than others of developing problem behaviours. These behaviours can interfere with their growth and development and can be disruptive for the family as a whole. This seminar provides ideas on understanding why a particular behaviour is occurring and practical suggestions for how to promote alternative behaviour.

Wednesday 22nd of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminars will be delivered online, via Webinar so that they can be viewed by parents and carers across Australia.

More information and instructions for how to access the Webinar will be provided once you register for the seminars.

RSVP by 7th March 2017: As these programs are being funded as part of a research project please contact the research team to register your interest:

Phone: 02 9114 4060
Email: fhs.Steppingstones@sydney.edu.au

Embracing Success 2017: DS NSW education conference, early bird registration now open

 

23 and 24 MARCH 2017  

SMC Conference and Function Centre, Goulburn Street 

SYDNEY

 Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhonda Faragher - senior lecturer in mathematics education, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane 

Dr Kelly Burgoyne - formerly at Down Syndrome Education International, currently Senior Research Fellow, Psychology, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane

Other speakers: 

Leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

An essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Flyer and program details 

• Booking details and early bird registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website. Early bird registration closes 31 January 2017.

Down Syndrome NSW 2017 education conference: bookings open

SMC Conference and Function Centre, Goulburn Street, Sydney 

Featuring Dr Rhonda Faragher, Dr Kelly Burgoyne (formerly of Down Syndrome Education International) and leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

This is an essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Booking details and early bird registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website

Down Syndrome NSW 2017 education conference: save the date

EMBRACING SUCCESS - Breaking Barriers 

Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March 2017 

SMC Conference and Function Centre, Goulburn Street, Sydney 

Featuring Dr Rhonda Faragher, Dr Kelly Burgoyne (formerly of Down Syndrome Education International) and leading professionals from within the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office, plus much more ... 

This is an essential 2 day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors.
Parents and carers are also welcome.

Booking details and early bird registrations will be available shortly.

Step Up! for Down Syndrome Sydney: Sunday 6 November

Sydney Step UP!

Sunday 6th November

Parramatta Park 

Pitt Street, Parramatta

Event time 10am – 2pm

Walk starts at 11am

Register now

Step UP! for Down syndrome is an annual event that recognises the abilities and achievements of people living with Down syndrome.

You are invited to join us and help celebrate Down syndrome awareness month.

You can help us support people with Down syndrome and their families by making a donation or by joining us at one of our Step UP! events and walking with family and friends.

The annual event brings people together to celebrate, connect and raise funds to support people living with Down syndrome.

There will be a barbecue, stalls, raffles and entertainment provided on the day.

Step Up for Down Syndrome 2016: Picton

Down Syndrome NSW would like to thank Anne Hearne and the wonderful community and businesses of the Picton area for supporting this year’s Step UP! for Down syndrome event last weekend, at the beautiful Picton Botanic Gardens.

If you would like to join us at the Penrith or Sydney Step UP! events please register here.

Step Up for Down Syndrome NSW 2016: Picton this Sunday

Rain, hail or shine, Step UP! is part of a national celebration that recognises National Down Syndrome Awareness Week, 10 -16th October.

People with Down syndrome, families, friends and community members get together to show their pride, raise awareness and have fun, all while raising funds for Down Syndrome NSW.

StepUp! Picton starts at 9.30am this Sunday the 16th at Picton Botanical Gardens. The park has lots of big shady trees and a children’s playground, so bring a picnic rug and settle in to enjoy a relaxed day with family and friends.

Contact Ann Herne - trendy173@bigpond.com or register online here.  Alternatively you can help by making a donation here.

Other Step Up! for Down syndrome dates, NSW events: Register online and/or donate - links to each event If you cannot attend an event we encourage you to support those participating in the walk by making a tax deductible donation. Links to Step Up events nationally

Scrapheap Adventure Ride: Wrap Up, thanks ... and congratulations

A huge hats off to Perry Gilsenan himself who founded the Scrapheap Adventure Ride. He has sustained it very successfully for 7 years (and is working on the 8th already), tapped into his hugely supportive adventure biking community, and raised more than $500,000 for the work Down Syndrome NSW!

Here is his 'Wrap Up' of the 2016 event held last weekend, posted to the Scrapheap Adventure Ride Facebook page yesterday:

Well as the ‘mud’ settles after Scrapheap 7 its time to reflect on this year's great event.

• We had 102 bikes registered – our biggest year 
• We have over 150 including kids for dinner on Saturday night!! 
• We have raised $95,535 for Down Syndrome NSW (bringing the total raised by Scrapheap Adventure Rides to over $500,000!) 
• This is our biggest Scrapheap Adventure Ride yet!!

Firstly, thank you to all who participated including those who were unable to come due to unforeseen circumstances. You are all part of this success!!!

The fundraising effort for 2016 is very, very close to its target
 of $100,000 and has taken the 7 year Scrapheap Adventure
Ride total over half a million dollars!
 Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2016 My Cause page

Big thank you to Anita, Ken and team at Four Corners Farm Stay!! Given the extremely wet weather leading up to the event, Anita bravely put her hand up to be our Plan B. Their generosity and hospitality was remarkable!!! So many Scrappers have commented to that effect. If anyone is looking for a ride destination, we can highly recommend them!!!

We feel for Justin and Julie of Kallara Station – Tilpa, who made the difficult and correct call to defer to Nymagee. They were really looking forward to the Scrapheap being there. We will try again in the coming years!

To have to relocate Scrapheap Adventure Ride in less than 3 weeks was a massive undertaking. Scott Bridges and Claire from Down Syndrome NSW were totally committed to this task and worked so well as a team to make it a success.

The UP ClubThe welcome team from the Up Club manned the welcome tent in rain and then sunny and windy Friday afternoon and provided a Noisy Happy welcome to the riders. Thank you all for being part of the Scrapheap Crew!!

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 8
We have locked in our dates for 2017 but have yet to finalise the location. Keep an eye on Facebook and our web page.

I am humbled by the support and continual growth of Scrapheap Adventure Ride each year. It’s an absolute honour to organise and attend an event with such an awesome group of generous people!!

Perry

Founder, Scrapheap Adventure Ride

Scrapheap Adventure Ride Facebook page - check in here for the complete list of teams and the many sponsors of the event, many more fabulous photos and videos.

Down Syndrome NSW Annual General Meeting 2016

Members are welcome to join us for the Down Syndrome NSW Annual General Meeting which will be held at at 10.00 am on Saturday 29 October 2016.

Our Guest speaker will be Evelyn Scott who will be talking to us about the latest international research. 

There is also a proposal to amend the Constitution of the Association at the AGM - details of the proposed changes are here.

10am Saturday 29 October 2016 

SMC Conference Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW

Board Nominations
Nominations are now open to join the Board of Down Syndrome NSW.

To nominate for a board position you must be a paid up Member of the Association. To nominate for the position of President or Vice President, you must be an Ordinary Member.

To nominate complete the below nomination form and return to Emily Wu (the Returning Officer) via email at emilyjanewu@hotmail.com or via mail to

Emily Wu
PO Box 3173
North Parramatta NSW 1750

Nominations close Friday 14 October 2016 at 5.00 pm sharp.

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2016: Plan B looks good!

Congratulations to the Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2016 team on rolling with the change of plans required by a month of substantial rain in Western NSW, impacting directly on this weekend's major fundraising event. They have put just the right Plan B in place for this turn of events:

We have been concerned about the forecasted wet weather. Most of the roads in the Cobar Shire are closed and there is more rain predicted ... we got the call that with Tilpa lining up for its wettest September on record, we have been advised to switch to our Plan B. 

What is our Plan B? 

Anita and Ken Burcher, from Four Corners Farm Stay at Nymagee, in Western NSW, have generously put their hand up to host us on short notice. Nymagee has good wet weather access and red soil which isn’t a sticky as wet black soil. Big Thank you Ken and Anita!!!

All the ‘Scrappers’ plus family and friends will meet at Four Corners for a weekend of fun and entertainment from September 30 to October 2.

Nymagee is a small town in the north west of New South Wales, 618 kilometres (384 mi) north west of Sydney, 130 kilometres (81 mi) south west of Nyngan and 89 kilometres (55 mi) south of Cobar. It is in the Shire of Cobar. At the 2006 census, Nymagee had a population of 103. (Wikipedia).

• You can sponsor a rider or team, or donate to the fundraising campaign through the Scrapheap Adventure Ride website.

• Keep up with the weekend's activities via the Scrapheap Adventure Ride Facebook page - today's image is of the mobile coolroom being towed out from Dubbo to Nymagee. All the mod cons.

Good luck, and have a wonderful adventure to all the riders and support teams setting out in the next few days!