City of Palmerston is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and accessible community, and a significant step in this involves hosting events that celebrate diversity. This December, Council is hosting two (2) inclusion-centred events: International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and Low Sensory Christmas Wonderland.

Our aspiration is for a community that embodies a sense of belonging, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome. International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a free, red-carpeted event specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, support workers, and those in the disability sector. Taking place on Saturday, 2 December, from 4pm to 6:30pm at Gray Community Hall, attendees are encouraged to ‘dress to impress’. The event is suitable for all ages and will feature therapy dogs, face painting, a buffet lunch, prizes, and entertainment. This initiative is funded by the Northern Territory Government and organised by the working group involving Cocoon, Club House Territory, YouthWorX NT, and City of Palmerston.

“Our International Day of People with Disability event is a testament to the richness of our community. We want this day to be an example of inclusivity, where everyone's uniqueness is celebrated," said Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell

Palmerston's Christmas Wonderland returns this year, commencing with a magical Low Sensory Event on Friday, 15 December 2023. Tailored for a relaxed, sensory-friendly experience, this event is designed for individuals who benefit from lower sensory stimulation.

The Low Sensory Christmas Wonderland will retain enchanting elements like Santa’s Grotto, Express Train, Snow, Christmas workshop but with lower lighting, softer music, smaller crowds, and a break-out quiet room.

Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell, "Our Low Sensory Christmas Wonderland is about ensuring everyone can revel in the holiday magic, creating memories that resonate with each unique individual."

Throughout both events, City of Palmerston staff will be actively seeking feedback from attendees on how it can further its commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

For more details on these events see City of Palmerston's website palmerston.nt.gov.au/events where Council has recently incorporated ReadSpeaker—an intuitive text-to-speech tool that converts text into audio. Users don't need a separate program to utilise this feature. This step by the Council is another example of its ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility.

These initiatives align with City of Palmerston's Disability Inclusion & Access Plan, a strategic roadmap for making the city more accessible and inclusive for all.

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