TOWNSVILLE HOSTS SONY CAMP CONFERENCE

Date: 28 June 2023

Over 40 delegates from high schools, universities and hospitals across Australia attended the annual Children’s Holiday Camp Conference, held this year at partner school Townsville Grammar.

Teachers, nurses, students and administration staff who are also organisers of Sony Camps in their local community, took part in two days of workshops covering disability advocacy, creative problem solving, safeguarding, disability and medical care as well as networking and sharing learnings from the program's 25 years of operations in Australia.

The conference highlight was the thought-provoking keynote speech by, Karni Liddell, former Paralympian and advisor to Queensland Government on Disability Inclusion and Employment. Karni reminded us that although one in five Australians have a disability, less than 50% are employed and that we all must step up and be allies for people with disability.

“Thank-you for a wonderful Sony Foundation Conference. Not only did I learn so much, but I made amazing people and connections. Truly terrific people and presenters.” Helen, Christ Church Grammar School, Perth.

Being new to organising Sony Camps, I found the whole experience both enjoyable and useful. I learnt a lot which is exactly what I wanted, although I also feel I now have an awful lot to do!” Victoria, Brisbane State High, QLD.

Thank you to Townsville Grammar’s Principal, Tim Kelly, and Yvonne West, Coordinator of Student Wellbeing & Development, for hosting the 2023 Conference. We look forward to seeing Sony Camps roll out around Australia from September.