Council lights up for World Down Syndrome Day

Sunday, 23 March 2025

Penrith City Council lit the Civic Centre today (Friday, 21 March) in support of World Down Syndrome Day, joining a global movement to promote inclusion, awareness and the rights of people with Down syndrome.

The Civic Centre joined iconic landmarks and buildings around the world, beaming blue and yellow lights, a symbol of solidarity for the Down syndrome community.
In Australia there are over 13,000 people with Down syndrome, including members of the Penrith community, like three-and a-half-year-old Henry Fisher.

Henry’s parents, Kieran Fisher and Jenny Lai, hoped the day highlighted to other people in the community, especially those with a child living with disability, of the support and programs available.

“Henry's success is a testament of the quality programs and services provided by Penrith City Council for children with additional needs,” Jenny said.
Penrith City Mayor, Todd Carney, reiterated Council’s commitment to fostering a City where people of all abilities can belong and thrive.

“It is important for us, as a Council and a community, to provide services and programs, as well as make spaces and places, that are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, “ Cr Carney said.

“I am so pleased that this is having such a positive impact on the lives of many, including Henry.”

WDSD is recognised on 21 March to symbolise the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. It is a day to celebrate people with Down syndrome and to champion their inclusion in all aspects of society.

The 2025 WDSD theme ‘Improve Our Support Systems’ included a focus on the importance of supporting families who care, and advocate, for their loved ones with Down syndrome.

“For many years, Henry has accessed Penrith Library Babytime, Toddler Time and Storytime and has benefited educationally and socially. He has made lots of friends and has fantastic rapport and support from his educators,” Henry’s mum, Jenny Lai said.

“It has also provided me, as a carer, support and allowed me to also make friends and receive those informal supports through friends. Most staff at the library know Henry, who loves to give high fives and fist pumps. Henry has also accessed the toy library and the outreach program for modified toys which have helped him.

“Henry is now attending Council’s Grays Lane Preschool, and I cannot speak more highly of his educators who have accommodated his needs and ensured he is able to access the education provided. He is always excited to go. He has made many friends and enjoys painting, role play, singing, dancing along with learning about the world around him with his peers. The preschool is also supporting World Down Syndrome Day with a range of activities for the children to be involved with, which is fantastic,” Jenny said.

In addition, Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 is also delivering increased flexibility, access, infrastructure and service improvements across the Penrith Local Government Area. The Plan also includes the development of autism-friendly playspace guides, a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and a public awareness campaign ‘One Community, Many Abilities’ that has been Council’s most successful social media campaign to date, reaching over 1.5 million people.

‘One Community, Many Abilities Campaign’ highlighted the skills and contributions of five inspiring residents living with disability, including Marley, a rising star on YouTube and TikTok, and valued employee at Kelly's Kitchen in Penrith Panthers. Marley has Down syndrome.

Get more information at: One community, Many abilities - Penrith City Council

Cr Carney said: “Inclusion helps build a stronger, more connected Penrith for everyone, and Council is proud to support World Down Syndrome Day.”

Penrith Local Government Area has several service providers and support organisations that assist people with Down Syndrome, their families and carers, and other people living with disability. For more information visit: penrith.city/accessiblepenrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Sunday, 23 March 2025.