Can you believe it's spring already? If you're about to start school holidays or you're looking for something new to do with your Social Carer, we've got plenty of ideas in store.
It looks like this spring will be particularly warm, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and water bottle if you're going to spend time outdoors.
The spring school holiday period varies slightly depending on your state:
- New South Wales: 25 September - 6 October
- Victoria: 16 September - 1 October
- Queensland: 16 September - 2 October
Read on to find out what you and your Social Carer or Member can do together this month.
Click a link below to view accessible activities in your area
All states
18 September - 6 October. Our friends at Care Squared Connect are running a series of school holiday programs for NDIS participants aged 6-14. Their goal-directed sessions include art therapy, sports therapy, dance and movement, singing and music therapy. It's a great opportunity to make new friends and work towards individual goal attainment. Use the code LIKEFAMILY15 to get 15% off when you book!
New South Wales
1-30 September. NSW's largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival has begun! This year's program features everything from stand-up comedy to circus performances to workshops. There's also a 2-week mini-festival called Limitless that celebrates d/Deaf artists and artists with disability. The festival supports Companion Cards, and has an online guide outlining the accessibility features of each event.
22 September - 3 December. Meet your favourite dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition! This immersive experience promises to bring you face-to-face with Raptors, Brachiosauruses, and other creatures from the popular film franchise. It's on at Sydney Showground until early December, so you've got plenty of time to snag a ticket for yourself and your Social Carer or Member.
Late September. Have a love for theatre? Like Family is partnering with the Australian Theatre for Young People to create a school holiday theatre program for people with disability aged 14-26. Led by highly-skilled tutors, this program will help you meet new people, learn about performing, build self-confidence, and (most importantly) have fun in a safe and inspiring environment. Express your interest today!
Queensland
15 July - 2 October. Marvel at works from some of Australia's best artists at the Archie 100 exhibition at HOTA Gallery. This special exhibition from the Art Gallery of NSW celebrates 100 years of Australia’s beloved Archibald Prize. We recommend visiting on the first Saturday of the month to enjoy the gallery's monthly Quiet Hour.
31 August - 8 October. As part of Brisbane Festival 2023, Brisbane Botanic Gardens will transform into a magical light show called Lightscape. This immersive experience will feature 2km of lights, including larger-than-life flowers and glowing tree canopies. The event accepts Companion Cards and is wheelchair accessible (though some parts of the path are steep).
1-30 September. Celebrate the beginning of spring with a trip to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. There will be orchid shows, community garden mornings, and a farmers market as well as food and wine tours. Most parks are wheelchair accessible (view this map for more details). Don't miss the famous Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday 16 September!
Victoria
21 September - 1 October. The Melbourne Royal Show is back and bigger than ever! There will be lots of rides, shows by artists like Sneaky Sound System, and (of course) a bunch of baby goats, lambs and ducklings to hand feed. The Melbourne Showgrounds are fully wheelchair accessible, and have an onsite quiet room. They also accept Companion Cards!
23 September. Attention movie lovers! ACMI is holding an Auslan tour and relaxed version edition of its popular Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion exhibition. Come along and learn about the groundbreaking achievements of the screen’s leading gender revolutionists, like Mae West, Pam Grier and Michelle Yeoh.
30 September - 1 October. The Museum of Chinese Australian History is holding 2 special festival days to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a tradition that occurs when the full moon appears largest in the sky. There will be lantern-making workshops, mooncake-making demonstrations, and an Autumn Moon Legend performance. All the museum's exhibits are accessible, and there is an accessible toilet on the premises.
Post an Activity with Like Family
If you're a Like Family Member and would like to attend one (or more) of these spring events, post an Activity and we'll help match you with a great Social Carer.
If you're a Social Carer, click any of the events above you're interested in, then register your interest. Alternatively, you can post your own Activity, which Members can apply to!
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