Down Syndrome Tasmania

History

In October 2008 Down Syndrome Tasmania (DST) held their first gala event in Devonport to raise the awareness of Down Syndrome in Tasmania and to raise funds in order to fulfil the strategic priorities of DST and it's members.

The highlight of this event was the successful inclusion of Lucinda Bryant, the principal of Merry Makers, together with Scotty Martin, a participant from the Merry Makers. The Merry Makers are an internationally known dance troupe from Sydney that cater for people with disabilities. Lucinda and Scotty performed a cameo dance and both spoke of the success of the Merry Makers and the amazing benefits it has provided over the last 30 years to both people with disabilities and the community in Sydney.

The following day DST hosted a Master Dance Class run by Lucinda and DST to gauge the interest of the Tasmanian community and the necessary commitment to follow in the footsteps of Merry Makers to provide a similar opportunity in Tasmania. The outcome was overwhelming with over 60 people attending from across the State.

The BrightStars were born and now after 3 years, DST has dance troupes in both the North West and South of the State. Our BrightStar dancers and volunteers regularly practice and perform publicly, with an increasing demand for performances and ongoing performance requests further afield.