Free activities part of City of Rockingham's International Day of People with Disability celebrations

Crafts, a therapy dog hangout and silent disco are among a variety of free activities hosted by the City of Rockingham to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. The schedule of all-abilities activities runs until December 8 throughout the city. Highlights include a create and craft session run by art therapists from Social Recovery WA at Baldivis Shopping Centre on December 2, gardening workshops at Secret Harbour Square Community Garden on December 4, and an inclusive silent disco for ages 6 to 17 at Malibu School on December 7. There will also be a therapy and assistance dog hangout at Rockingham Youth Centre on December 8, where Animal Companions WA and two of their dogs will educate young people on the differences between therapy and assistance animals and the benefits these animals have for people with disability. Pop-up stalls at Secret Harbour Square shopping centre (December 4 to 8) and Rockingham Centre (December 6 and 7) will feature handmade goods crafted by people with disability and their carers. Mayor Deb Hamblin said the city was “committed to providing opportunities that support the full inclusion of people with disability getting involved in community life”. “The micro-enterprise pop-up stalls at local shopping centres will highlight the businesses that people with disability in our community are building,” she said. “The city is delighted to be working closely with local businesses to facilitate these stalls, and this type of collaboration is a great way to break down social barriers and support IDPwD.” More information at rockingham.gov.au.