Down Syndrome Victoria

11/10/2026

National Carers Week runs from Sunday 11 to Saturday 17 October.

We have some events and workshops coming up that may interest carers:
💛 Carer Gateway is an Australian Government agency providing free emotional and practical services and support for carers, and we are lucky to have them as the sponsor for StepUP! Melbourne this year, on Sunday 18 October. You will be able to meet and speak to Carer Gateway staff at the event. Register if you haven't yet at www.stepupvic.com.au
💛 MyTime have National Carers Week events happening Victoria-wide for members, and a draw and sip event that DSV community members are also welcome to on Monday 19 October. You can find out more at www.downsyndrome.org.au/mytime-events-october/

We know that there are many carers in our DSV community and we acknowledge and appreciate all the work you do. Our lives, families and communities are better and stronger because of your efforts.

ID: Two photos. The first is of a young girl with Down syndrome who is kissing the forehead of a man who appears to be her dad. He is kneeling down to her level, and the girl is is wearing clothes and a backpack to make her appear to be heading off to school. The second photo is of a young man with Down syndrome sitting with a woman who is showing him something on a mobile phone.

11/10/2026

There is one week until StepUP! Melbourne! On Sunday 18 October, we will gather at Princes Park in Carlton North for a day of fun, family and fundraising in support of Down Syndrome Victoria.

Have you ever wanted to sit in a firetruck, for fun? We will be lucky enough to have Daniel Jacka from (FRV) there on the day. 🚨🚒

You might wonder why we'd have firefighters at StepUP! Luckily, Daniel has a great answer: "Community events like StepUP! are opportunities for FRV to connect with people outside of emergency situations. They allow us to build trust and raise awareness about fire safety, focusing on vulnerable communities. Being at these events, people see us not only as responders in times of crisis, but also as partners in building safer, more resilient neighbourhoods."

With over 35 years of experience, Daniel comes to events like StepUP!, "To empower communities with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent fires, stay safe and feel confident interacting with emergency services."

So come along to StepUP! this year to meet some firefighters and check out a firetruck up close!

You can find out all about StepUP! and register to come along at www.stepupvic.com.au

If you would like support with registering or further details about the event, please contact our Events Coordinator, Nicole Bryson on [email protected] or 0435 073 307.

ID: A graphic tile with a photo of DSV's Daniel in a park, holding a bunch of large blue and yellow balloons. There is text that reads "One week to go until StepUP! Melbourne".

09/10/2026

Ed likes to call himself the Man of Steel, and when you see him working through his FitSkills21 exercise program, it’s easy to see why! 🏋️

FitSkills21 is all about building strength, balance, confidence and fitness through personalised exercise.

For Ed, that means working through his physiotherapist-created program in the gym and challenging himself to develop his skills each week. Every session is an opportunity for Ed to build strength and work towards his goals, whether he’s lifting weights, working on his balance or completing cardio – with his volunteer by his side.

The best part? FitSkills21 isn’t just about what happens in the gym. Each week, Ed also enjoys spending time with the group, catching up over a meal and being part of an active, supportive community.

FitSkills21 sessions are open to adults with Down syndrome, with all fitness levels welcome.

FitSkills21 can be accessed using NDIS self-managed or plan-managed funding. Please note that there is an out-of-pocket fee for the social meal.

If you would like to join in the FitSkills21 fun, please complete our FitSkills21 enquiry form, and one of our friendly team members will be in touch to discuss the program with you: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/fitskills21-enquiry-form

You can also read more about the program, locations and what to expect at www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/dsv-fitskills/

ID: Two photos of Ed, a man with Down syndrome. The first photo shows him flexing his biceps and smiling at the camera, and in the second photo, he is doing a balance exercise in a gym space.

08/10/2026

Are you craving a little connection with some other parents and carers? Join us on Thursday 22 October at 8pm for our monthly chance to chat and network with other families with a family member with Down syndrome.

This is a chance for parents and carers of teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 15+ years to connect with peers across Victoria.

💻 📱 This month the chat will be led by DSV's Adult Support Manager Imogen Kinnear and we will be chatting about 'Technology that helps'.

The conversation is informal, so bring your cuppa and any topics or questions you might want to discuss. We would love for you to join us.

☕ To register, visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/october-coffee-and-chat/

ID: A photo from above and a cup of tea and teapot on a table.

08/10/2026

Down Syndrome NSW have shared details with us about an upcoming practical workshop they are hosting called 'Writing an effective NDIS carer statement: practical guidance for families of people with Down syndrome at all ages'.

A strong carer statement can make a significant difference during an NDIS planning meeting, plan reassessment or review. However, many families find it difficult to know what information to include, how to describe the support they provide, and how to communicate the real impact of their caring role.

Please join Susan from Carevo for a free online workshop designed to help families prepare clear, meaningful and effective NDIS carer statements with confidence.

There are two sessions on Tuesday 27 October, an 11am session for parents of children, and a 7pm one for parents of adults.

You can find out more and register at

Writing an Effective NDIS Carer Statement - Practical guidance for families of people with Down syndrome at all ages

07/10/2026

We're hiring! Applications are now open for the following hospitality roles at our new Daily Good Café, opening this November in the Royal Children's Hospital precinct:

☕ Head Chef
☕ Assistant Café Manager

You can find out more about the roles and how to apply at www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/career-opportunities/

If you know someone who might be interested in these roles, we invite you to share this post with them.

Send applications or queries to Daily Good Cafe Manager Catherine Smith at [email protected]

ID: A tile with a photo of a young man with Down syndrome who is making a coffee in a cafe. There is text that reads "We are hiring".

07/10/2026

Club21 Teens Online gives teenagers with Down syndrome a fun and supportive space to connect with friends from across Victoria, all from home! 💻

Online sessions can help teens build friendships, develop social and communication skills, grow confidence using technology and stay connected with their community.

And of course, it’s about having fun too. Catch up, chat about school and interests, play games, listen to music and have a dance together.

All you need is Zoom and a computer, phone or tablet.

Want to learn more about Club21 Teens Online? Complete our enquiry form: https://downsyndromevictoria.snapforms.com.au/form/club21-enquiry-forms

ID: A tile with the words “Club21: Your friends, your space. Join us online!” There are also photos of teens with Down syndrome doing different activities. One photo is of a teenage girl with spectacles who is smiling and looks like she is on a Zoom call.

07/10/2026

A reminder that this workshop for adults with Down syndrome is coming up this Saturday! Click on the post to find out more about the workshop and how to register.

Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join us for an interactive workshop where we’ll explore friendships, relationships, communication, respect, boundaries, social media and speaking up.

💙 Saturday 10 October
💙 2pm to 5pm
💙 Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre, 91–111 Melrose Street, North Melbourne
💙 Free

Through activities, real-life scenarios and group discussion, participants will build the knowledge, confidence and skills to develop positive relationships and make choices that feel right for them.

This is also a great opportunity for parents and carers to come along, learn alongside participants, connect with other families and meet Imogen Kinnear, DSV’s new Adult Support Manager.

This workshop will be delivered by Melba support Services, with the assistance of DSV’s very own Jack Williamson, who will share his knowledge, experience and perspective to help make the session engaging, relevant and meaningful for everyone.

Find out more and register at www.downsyndrome.org.au/blog/event/healthy-relationships/

ID: A photo of a young man with Down syndrome. He is holding a mobile phone up to his ear and is chatting.

05/10/2026

As the walls are literally going up in DSV's new venture, we are seeking financial contributions and sponsorship support, as well as partnerships and in-kind donations for a few more items needed for our social enterprise and community space.

We are still seeking:
🩵 an ice machine for all the delicious iced coffees we'll be making over summer (min. 20kg)
🩵 3 couches (2 for the community hub and 1 for the DSV office)
🩵 an office printer that is able to print A3
🩵 7 desks and chairs for the DSV office
🩵 café trolleys, serving materials and other kitchen equipment.

Every day, thousands of people pass through the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). Daily Good Café will bring DSV into that environment, creating opportunities for connection, visibility and awareness as part of everyday life.

We so appreciate those who have already come aboard as partners for the Daily Good and if you would like to get aboard our exciting new adventure as a partner or donor, please email CEO Dan Payne at [email protected].

You can find out more about the project by visiting www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/daily-good-cafe/

ID: The first tile features text that reads "Would you like to partner with us?" and a photo of a young man with Down syndrome. He is wearing an apron and mixing something with a wooden spoon. There are then four photos that include shots of builders and building in progress within the Daily Good cafe and new DSV office space. One of the photos features DSV's Dan and Steph and four volunteers who helped remove some of the old cafe decor.

03/10/2026

StepUP! Geelong CANCELLED.

Due to deteriorating conditions after today’s rain and the risk of flash flooding, we have made the difficult decision to cancel StepUP! Geelong tomorrow.

The safety of our community, volunteers, staff, vendors and partners is our highest priority. After considering the forecast and the potential conditions at and around the event site, we do not believe it would be safe to proceed.

A big thank you to Sarah Collis, event partners and supporters – we know just how much effort goes into organising an event like StepUP! Geelong.

We hope the weather will be kinder in two weeks for StepUP! Melbourne on Sunday 18 October where everyone is welcome to join the festivities.

Thank you to everyone who registered, fundraised, volunteered and prepared for the event. Registered attendees will receive further information directly by email.

If you have any questions please email DSV’s Events Coordinator Nicole Bryson at [email protected].