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KidsFest Picnic and Play Day: Connecting to Country – Growing Peace & Trust through play

Thursday 22 May 2025 | 10am – 1pm | Shellharbour Civic Centre

Families with young children are invited to celebrate connection, culture, and community at Shellharbour Communities for Children’s KidsFest Picnic and Play Day, part of KidsFest Shellharbour 2025.

Presented by Shellharbour Communities for Children in collaboration with Shellharbour City Council and KidsFest Shellharbour the event will be held on Thursday 22 May from 10am to 1pm at the Yirran Muru Playspace, Shellharbour Civic Centre.

This free event is designed especially for children aged 0–5 years and their families.

This year’s KidsFest theme, “Connecting to Country – Growing Peace & Trust,” links with the United Nations International Year of Peace and Trust, and will be brought to life through an exciting program of hands-on activities that celebrate children’s curiosity, culture, and creativity.

Families can expect more than 25 engaging experiences, including:

  • Aboriginal cultural activities to foster understanding and connection to Country
  • Storytime sessions, bush craft, loose parts play, art and craft
  • Music-making, nature play and sensory experiences

These experiences are designed to inspire play and learning that families can recreate at home. All families attending will receive a free swag bag, including a storybook to take home.

Finally, for the first time in 2025, KidsFest Picnic and Play Day will also feature:

  • A dedicated sensory space hosted by Big Fat Smile, supporting children with diverse needs
  • A free vaccination clinic thanks to Healthy Cities Australia in partnership with NSWHealth
  • Expanded Aboriginal Cultural Activities, strengthening connection to local knowledge and Country.
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WHAT WE SEE

We see beyond the sleepover in cars and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a parent and their child have nowhere safe to stay and are
currently waiting for refuge accommodation.

We see beyond the sleepover in cars
and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a
parent and their child have nowhere
safe to stay and are currently waiting
for refuge accommodation.

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay. At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique needs and provide tailored support for each family member.   

Safe accommodation

Support with transitional accommodation

Safety Planning

Providing safety planning
so that families can leave violence for good

Counselling icon

Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood. Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to help them recover and thrive. 

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and
children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay.
At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique
needs and provide tailored support
for each family member.   


Support with transitional accommodation
♡
Providing safety planning so that families can leave violence for good
♡
Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood.
Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to
help them recover and thrive. 

You can help too! A simple gift today can support a child who has experienced
domestic and family violence to recover and heal.

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