Social Inclusion Week
Social Inclusion Week (18-26 November 2023) aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. Social Inclusion Week is about connecting local communities, workmates, family and friends, in order to build and strengthen relationships or networks and address isolation and exclusion of those who may be marginalised.
Initiatives that will be taking place over the course of the week are:
Community BBQ
To celebrate Social Inclusion Week and International Day of People with Disability, Council is hosting a community BBQ. With a free sausage sizzle, donuts and ice-cream, this event will be a hit for the whole family! There will also be a range of inclusive activities on the day.
Where: Curry Reserve, Elderslie
When: Tuesday 5 December
Time: 4-7pm
Cost: Free
Youth Community BBQ
Social Inclusion Week and every Wednesday BBQ for all young people from 3pm. Drop in from 3.30pm, connect with Youth Services and find out what’s happening in Camden.
Where: Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre, Oran Park
When: Wednesday 22 November
Time: 3pm
Cost: Free
Rainbow Advocacy Youth Network – RAYN
Celebrate social inclusion with Camden’s LGBTQI+ youth community. Big Yellow Umbrella’s RAYN group meet every Wednesday for LGBTQI+ young people and their allies.
Where: Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre, Oran Park
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4-5.30pm
Cost: Free
Camden United Resilience Basketball - CURB
Camden United Resilience Basketball (CURB) is a program for all young people aged 10-18 years. Whether you are new to basketball, or a veteran, come down and receive professional basketball coaching, join in pickup games, and become part of the CURB team. Following the program, participants can enjoy food and drink.
Where: Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre, Oran Park
When: Tuesday 21 November
Time: 3-5pm
Cost: Free
Paint the Town REaD Social Inclusion Week Children’s Book List
Purchase or borrow a book to start the conversation with a child about kindness, inclusion and acceptance. All books on the list are available to borrow from Camden Libraries.
Inclusion Resource Kits
Inclusion Resource Kits (book packs) initiative encourages preschools, school groups, mothers’ groups and community to talk with children about recognising all abilities. Each pack contains 12 books themed about disability with learning guides and discussion points for talking to children about disability and recognising all abilities. Follow up activities and useful websites to visit to learn more about inclusion are also provided.
The book packs can be borrowed from Camden Libraries.
Storytime sessions at Camden Libraries
Camden Libraries will celebrate Social Inclusion Week by dedicating their regular Storytime sessions to books that promote inclusion and respect.
Narellan Library
Monday 20 November- 11am
Camden Library
Tuesday 21 November- 11am
Oran Park Library
Wednesday 22 November-11am
Service Sector
Diversity in Dementia Workshop
Acceptance and Belonging
Social Inclusion Disability, Culture and Community
Intended audience: health professionals, service providers, support workers
People with dementia from diverse backgrounds experience greater barriers to diagnostic support, care services, and social activities. Join Camden Council and Western Sydney University researcher and advocate, Dr Diana Karamacoska, for a 2-hr practical workshop on how to embrace and support diversity, inclusion, and equity in people at-risk of, or living with, dementia.
This session is being run as part of the Dementia Friends Initiative and certificates from Dementia Australia will be given to those who participate.
When: Friday 24 November
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Camden Civic Centre, Cnr Oxley & Mitchell Street, Camden
Refreshments will be provided
Cost: FREE
Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/free-dementia-education-workshops-in-camden
Ask Away! – Disability and Inclusion Awareness Video - Social Media Posts
The video will focus on answering questions from individuals about the intersecting characteristics of disability including cultural diversity, age, and those who may be marginalised.
Cultural Fusion
Cultural Fusion returns on Thursday 23 November, where you can immerse yourself in a multi-faceted cultural extravaganza showcasing the arts in all its forms. Visit Camden Civic Centre between 5 – 8pm to experience selfies with Santa, 20+ boutique market stalls, roving circus performers, live public art, traditional Vietnamese music, FREE arts workshops for all ages, and so much more.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get your creative fix, meet local creatives, watch and listen to inspiring performances, and get your holiday shopping sorted early while supporting local.
When: Thursday 23 November
Time: 5-8pm
Where: Camden Civic Centre, Cnr Oxley & Mitchell Street, Camden
Cost: FREE entry
More info: Bookable
Get involved: Interested in being involved as a stallholder, musician, performer or artist? Submit your EOI here.