Celebrate International Day of People with Disability in The Hills
Published on 20 November 2025
The Hills Shire Council is inviting the community to join a series of FREE, fun-filled events to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) this December.
From Auslan Storytime to an all-abilities sports program and a vibrant park party at Livvi’s Place in Baulkham Hills, the activities are designed to bring people together, foster inclusion, and celebrate diversity.
“Over 5.5 million Australians live with a disability – 20 per cent of our population. It’s crucial that we raise community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability – and our IDPwD events are one small way we can do this for The Hills,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said.
The Auslan Storytime will be held at Castle Hill Library on Monday 1 December ahead of IDPwD. The session will bring stories to life for deaf and hard of hearing children using Australian Sign Language.
Then on IDPwD (Wednesday 3 December), the day will kick off with The Hills Abilities Unleashed sports program. The program includes sessions for adults and children living with disability.
Participants will rotate through six stations to try cricket, netball, football, basketball, badminton and hockey. The program is run by Disability Sports Australia and includes specialised coaches who will facilitate each session.
From 12pm – 2pm, The Hills Shire’s all abilities playground, Livvi’s Place, will host a park party, where the first 120 attendees will receive a free snow cone, fairy floss or popcorn. Other activities include free face painting, a bubble show, colouring in, and more.
“The Livvi’s Place Park Party is open to children of all abilities. I’d love to see as many kids as possible enjoying each other’s company and having fun at one of The Hills’ most beloved playgrounds,” Mayor Byrne said.
“They can also try out the newly upgraded Livvi’s Place Playground if they haven’t already. The $2 million upgrade included installing a range of new play equipment, including an accessible multiactivity play tower, double flying fox, slides, climbing net and swings.
“An accessible amenities building was also installed, with a ‘Changing Places’ room featuring an overhead hoist, shower, toilet and ambulant unisex cubicles.”
Registrations are required for the Auslan Storytime and The Hills Abilities Unleashed sports program.
For more information and to register for these events, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘International Day of People with Disability’.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY EVENTS
AUSLAN STORYTIME AT CASTLE HILL LIBRARY
When: 10am – 10:30am Monday 1 December 2025
Where: Sonya Phillips Room, Castle Hill Library, Castle Hill
What: Storytime using Australian Sign Language
Who: Children living with disability aged 2-5 years old
Cost: FREE. Registrations required.
THE HILLS ABILITIES UNLEASHED ADULTS SPORTS PROGRAM
When: 11am – 2pm Wednesday 3 December 2025
Where: Indoor/Field 1, Bernie Mullane Reserve, Kellyville
What: Participants will rotate through six stations to try cricket, netball, football, basketball, badminton and hockey. The program is run by Disability Sports Australia and includes specialised coaches who will facilitate each session.
Who: Adults living with disability
Cost: FREE. Registrations required.
THE HILLS ABILITIES UNLEASHED KIDS SPORTS PROGRAM
When: 11am – 2pm Wednesday 3 December 2025
Where: Indoor/Field 1, Bernie Mullane Reserve, Kellyville
What: Participants will rotate through six stations to try cricket, netball, football, basketball, badminton and hockey. The program is run by Disability Sports Australia and includes specialised coaches who will facilitate each session
Who: Children living with disability aged 5-18 years old
Cost: FREE. Registrations required.
LIVVI’S PLACE PARK PARTY
When: 12pm – 2pm Wednesday 3 December 2025
Where: Livvi’s Place Playground, Bernie Mullane Reserve, Kellyville
What: The first 120 attendees will receive a voucher for either a FREE snow cone, fairy floss or popcorn. Once vouchers run out, snow cones, fairy floss and popcorn will be available for purchase, along with lollies and toys. Free activities such as face painting, bubble show, colouring in, sidewalk chalk, one foot hopscotch, and more
Who: Children of all abilities, families and carers
Cost: FREE. Registrations are not required. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle.