Disability support provider roundsquared is hosting two free community events on 5-6 December. Photos: Supplied.
roundsquared invites everyone in the Far South Coast to join the disability support provider for two free community events in Moruya.
The fun kicks off this Friday (5 December) at 3 pm with entertainment and activities for children and families. Saturday is more of a party vibe, with people encouraged to glam up for the Enchanted-themed evening starting at 6 o’clock. The live music will be courtesy of hugely popular Eurobodalla band Flock of Haircuts.
It is the third time that roundsquared has held these events to mark International Day of People with Disability.
Based in Moruya, roundsquared supports people with disabilities, from Tweed Heads to the Victorian border. It supports more than 360 NDIS participants and employs staff across those communities to support clients to live the best lives of their choosing.
For 10 years, roundsquared has helped its clients to implement NDIS plans and connected them with formal and informal support services.
It is a peer-led organisation, with 40 per cent of staff having a disability or lived experience such as caring for someone with a disability and walking alongside them.
It is the third year roundsquared has held these events.
Krystal Tritton has been CEO of roundsquared for two years. Blind since the age of 17, Ms Tritton started as the intake officer and moved through all the roles.
“It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had,” she said. “It gives the people we support hope that they can have roles of responsibility and leadership.”
roundsquared has an advocacy group named Let’s Talk, Speak Out. Now in its eighth year, its members meet weekly to both drive change within the organisation and arrange community events to promote inclusive communities.
“This event is for people with disabilities and everyone else to share the positive aspects of having a disability,” Ms Tritton said.
They want to create positive change in people’s perceptions of disability by organising community events such as these.
The events give staff and participants experience in event planning, hospitality and managing a budget, while encouraging other disability services to join them and get involved.
“It opens the door for us to collaborate, come together, meet and mingle, and make new friendships,” Ms Tritton said.
roundsquared is holding free inclusive community events to mark International Day of People with Disability.
As well as being fun for children, Friday’s two-hour event enables families with a child without a formal diagnosis to gain information in a relaxed setting and connect with the community. Ms Tritton said it was a “soft entry”.
“Over the years, I have seen long-term relationships formed between families and children with disabilities,” she said.
Friday’s event is for all ages, with a focus on school-aged children.
For Saturday’s event, roundsquared has been working hard with local dance group Stepz to put together a dance with participants, staff, and members of the community. Their ages range from six to 66. Ms Tritton said the dancers were so good she would like them to perform at competitions.
Local provider Anglicare Moruya has worked with Thread Together, a Sydney-based group that collects clothing destined for landfill to help participants “glam up”.
There has been much excitement among participants and staff going through a collection of formal and glamorous attire. Ms Tritton said it had given people a huge boost in confidence.
The event is free thanks to ClubGrant funding from Club Narooma, Club Dalmeny and Catalina Country Club. It is the second time they have supported this event.
Register for free tickets for Friday’s family-friendly event and Saturday’s Enchanted evening of community celebration.
Friday’s event runs from 3 pm to 5 pm and Saturday’s from 6 pm to 10 pm, including 2.5 hours of live music. Both events are being held at the Moruya RSL Hall, in Page Street, Moruya.
