The sun is out, Christmas is just around the corner and it is heating up in Sydney. It’s the perfect time to get out in the community, so make plans and find a carer, family member or friend to join you! In no particular order, here are five upcoming events at disability-friendly venues throughout Sydney, so you can make this your best summer yet:
1. Sydney Festival 2020
Running from the 8th January until 26th January, the Sydney Festival is packed with theatre performances, music, dance and artwork installations. Our tip is to see Dodecalis Luminarium, an artwork installation which is described as ‘an immense, radiantly lit, inflated labyrinth of winding paths and soaring domes’ and has free of charge general admission. This event is wheelchair accessible and inclusive for everyone to enjoy - being held at Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour, with dedicated relaxed sessions available.
2. Outdoor Cinema at Sydney Olympic Park
If you consider yourself a movie buff, Sydney Olympic Park is hosting outdoor cinema from 4th-19th Jan with free general admission, allowing guests to find a spot on the grassy lawn. Some of the movies shown will be Avengers: End Game on the 9th January and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on 19th January. Remember, you must register for your free tickets. Since it is held at the Cathy Freeman Park in the center of Sydney’s Olympic Park, the facilities have been designed with accessibility in mind so that all patrons can feel comfortable including seniors and people with mobility, vision, hearing or intellectual disabilities.
3. Twilight at Taronga Summer Concert Series
Kicking off on January 31st, Twilight at Taronga is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary with some incredible names in the Australian and New Zealand music scene – such as Broods, Wolfmother, Pete Murray and Meg Mac to name a few! While some paths around the zoo are steep, ramps and elevators are located around the venue to ensure everyone has a fun time. Plus, over 95% of Taronga Zoo’s animal displays are wheelchair-viewable! See https://twilightattaronga.org.au/for more information.
4. Cheer on the Aussies at Test Match Cricket
It’s not a sizzling Aussie summer without cricket, and what better way to enjoy one of our nation’s favourite sports than to be there for the iconic Domain Pink Test Match. At this event the Australian cricket community dresses up in pink, to celebrate the brilliant work of the McGrath Foundation for breast cancer awareness and support. Australia takes on New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground at Moore Park from 3rd January – 7th January. To continuously improve accessibility and facilities for the disabled community, the SGC has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. There are designated wheelchair viewing areas, disabled toilets and elevators and tours of the facility can be tailored to suit specific needs.
5. Sydney New Years’ Eve Fireworks
Boasting one of the most famous NYE fireworks displays in the world, Sydney Harbour on January 31st is one event not to miss! There are a number of designated accessible viewing areas for people with a disability to enjoy with their support worker, family and friends, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Barangaroo and Pirrama Park to name a few. Some are free of charge, but bookings are essential. Visit https://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/accessibility/for more information.
Remember, New South Wales school holidays begin on Saturday 21st December. Did you know that Home Care Heroes has a flat rate of $40 per hour including weekends and public holidays? If you or a loved one would like some companionship or an event buddy, sign up now to be matched with a vetted Hero in your local area, who aligns with your interests and values.