Fun for everyone during Access Summer Festival

Published on 20 November 2023

From trivia to virtual reality experiences, to giving athletics a go and delving into the world of sensory spaces, there will be something for every person and ability to enjoy during Access Summer Festival 2023.

Singleton Council is supporting a wide range of events being held as part of Access Summer Festival from 24 November – 7 December to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director Organisation and Community Capacity said the week-long program of events showcased how inclusive and accessible Singleton is and was an important step in making positive change in the community.

“By acknowledging International Day of People with Disability, we are taking action to remove the barriers residents living with disabilities in our community face,” she said.

“Together, we can challenge perceptions about disability and promote inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours. 

“I’d encourage the whole community, no matter their ability, to join in on the 2023 Access Summer Festival events – they offer fun for everyone.”

Access Summer Festival is being delivered as part of Council’s Access and Inclusion Enhancement Program, funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

The program promotes access and inclusion in the community with a focus on business, sporting, and community groups, and aims to increase understanding and awareness of access and the value in making a service accessible by providing training and education programs.

Disability advocate and former Singleton Young Achiever of the Year nominee Harrison Kirkwood has accepted the role of Access and Inclusion Officer with Council to deliver the program.

Mr Kirkwood, who has lived with sight impairment his entire life, is an active member of the Singleton community and has sat on numerous disability advisory panels at the local, state and national level.

Mrs Brereton said it was fantastic that Council could recruit a Singleton local with lived disability experience for the role.

“Harry is a Singleton local and knows firsthand what’s available and what can be improved locally in terms of accessibility and inclusion, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him on board to work with us to deliver positive change for our community,” she said.

As part of his role, Mr Kirkwood has worked with Singleton Heights Sports Centre, Singleton Library, PCYC Singleton, Singleton Track and Field and Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre to deliver an action-packed program of events for Access Summer Festival 2023.

The festival will kick off with a trivia day at Singleton Heights Sports Centre on Friday 24 November. The cost to participate is $10 per person. People with a disability and their support workers can participate for free.

Other Access Summer Festival events, including a VR experience and sausage sizzle, come and try goal ball event, an open day at Singleton Track and Field, and Sensory Spaces with Dr Bliss Cavanagh are free to attend but require bookings.

For more information about Access Summer Festival 2023 or to register to attend the events go to W singleton.nsw.gov/au/accesssummer