Social Programs are a great way for people to come together and have fun doing some pretty cool activities! Our programs run throughout the year which range from our monthly events (Brisbane, Gold Coast) to our Challenge Weekends, New Year’s Eve Ball and online virtual events (Lunch Club, Dance Parties, Trivia, Games Karaoke & Talent Shows).
With a focus on building friendships, developing life skills, building capacity, social skills and independence – who wouldn’t want to come along!
Interested in what events we have had in the past? Be sure to check out our Photo Gallery
Our Programs
DSQ Club
The DSQ Club is all about getting out and about with your friends from DSQ and having some fun! But we always include opportunities where members can develop life skills and build independence. Held monthly, activities are aimed at having fun, but also provide an opportunity to try new things, develop confidence and independence. Things like going out for dinner, attending public events, arcade gaming and movie nights have been popular DSQ Club events in the past.
DSQ Teens
DSQ Teens is all making new friends and connecting with existing friends. Held monthly, activities are designed to be fun and engaging but also to support teenagers in developing their independence and social skills. Attending the outdoor cinemas, swimming at the waterpark and playing sports have been some popular DSQ Teens events.
DSQ Kids
DSQ Kids is a brand-new program from Down Syndrome Queensland. An opportunity for primary school aged children to meet new friends their age, get active and develop social skills in a new environment. Children also have a chance to partake in therapy based activities working on co-ordination, muscle building, visual tracking and fine motor skills.
Meet the Team
Sophie
Social Programs Coordinator-Brisbane
Since 2019, Sophie has loved volunteering with DSQ, embarking on
many adventures with wonderful fun-loving people. Now acting as
a Social Programs Coordinator, she is thrilled to be helping
deliver fun and engaging programs that offer opportunities to
develop independence, social skills and build confidence. Her
highlight of being a part of the DSQ team has been attending
Challenge Weekends, witnessing campers coming out of their
shells and filling the weekend with joy, laughter, and hugs.
Sophie loves jumping out of perfectly
working planes, jet skiing, parasailing, snowboarding and plans
to go wing walking. When she isn't trying to seriously injure
herself, you'll catch her dragging her friends along to all
sorts of random fun activities. But don't be fooled, by night
she is a master couch potato, bingeing the latest must-see TV
show!
Piper
Social Programs Coordinator Gold Coast
Within the last year, Piper has joined the DSQ team as a tutor for the two Latch-On Gold Coast classes and more recently taken on the position for the Gold Coast Social Programs. She has a bright personality and loves trying new things! In her spare time, Piper loves spending time outdoors at the beach or being with friends and family! Her favourite thing about working with DSQ is being a part of an amazing and inclusive community as well as meeting new people all the time!
Clare
DSQ Kids Coordinator
In 2018, Clare began volunteering within the classroom and as a Challenge Camp Leader. Still present in the Friday CEP class, she has also embraced the role of DSQ Kids Coordinator. As a big (and competitive) kid herself, you’ll either find her playing a sport or headed to the beach for a surf. Adventures with the CEP class is the highlight of her week.
Brad
Social Programs Coordinator
Brad is a Jack of all trades or should we say a Brad of all
trades! As program coordinator Brad has experienced many social
program events and Challenge Weekends.
Through the week you can see Brad delivering the CEP program and
the independent living skills program.
When he isn’t working Brad is an incredibly sporty man. Not just
any sport, Archery and Axe Throwing is his specialty! Brad
competes regularly in Archery competitions and is on an Axe
throwing team. If there was a Zombie apocalypse we would know
who to call!
A highlight was when Kylie Monigue commented on one of Brads
social media posts of the students in the CEP class dancing to
the Locomotion!
Lili
Social Programs Administration Officer
Lili works in support of the admin team and helps with organising all the Social Programs . She enjoys going to the Coast and spending time with her Pets! Despite only being a part of the DSQ team for a short amount of time Lili has really enjoyed getting to know all our lovely members and looks forward to Volunteering at future Events.
Teagan
Programs Manager
Teagan is a Ninja Warrior enthusiast who loves all things outdoors! Teagan’s role with DSQ, some would say, is the best – she organises all the fun Social Programs on offer to our members and helps to run them alongside her amazing team. One of many of her favourite things about working with DSQ is seeing friends come together and the joy our programs bring to people.
Andrew
Operations Manager
In three years with DSQ Andrew has worked in a few positions, most recently leading the team as Operations Manager. He tells jokes that are usually not very funny, likes running on the weekends and is a big fan of the Brisbane Lions AFLW team. His favourite thing about working with DSQ is attending Challenge Weekends and meeting new people.