More than a festival: a gift to our community

Every year, the Gateways Easter Family Fun Festival brings our community together for a day of laughter, connection and shared experiences. But for us, this event has always been about more than rides, entertainment and Easter fun.
At its heart, the Easter Family Fun Festival exists to give back, to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where people with disability, their families, carers and support networks can simply come together and enjoy a day that feels made for them.
Why we run the Easter Family Fun Festival
For many families in the disability community, attending large public events can be challenging. Cost, accessibility, sensory overload and a lack of inclusive design can all be barriers to participation.
The event was created to remove those barriers.
We run this event because everyone deserves opportunities for joy, connection and belonging. We believe community events should be accessible, affordable and inclusive, and that people with disability should feel genuinely welcomed, not accommodated as an afterthought.
By offering low-cost or free entry and designing the festival with accessibility and inclusion at the forefront, we aim to create a day where families can relax, connect and make memories together, without any stress or fear of not fitting in.
What makes the festival special
The Easter Family Fun Festival is intentionally designed to be different.
From inclusive activities and sensory-friendly considerations, to clear signage, accessible spaces and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, every detail is guided by the lived experiences of the people we support.
Families often tell us how meaningful it is to attend an event where they don’t feel judged, rushed or out of place – where children and adults of all abilities can participate in their own way and at their own pace.
It’s not just about what’s on offer; it’s about how it feels to be there.
A positive impact that lasts beyond the day
The impact of the Easter Family Fun Festival goes far beyond a single day.
For many attendees, it’s a rare opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, to build friendships, and to feel part of a broader, supportive community. For some families, it has become a much-loved annual tradition – a day they look forward to all year.
The festival also helps raise awareness of inclusion and accessibility more broadly, showing what’s possible when events are designed with the disability community in mind.
Powered by community: partners, volunteers and supporters
The Easter Family Fun Festival wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of local partners, volunteers and supporters who generously give their time, energy and resources.
From activity providers and entertainers to food vendors, community groups and volunteers on the day, each contribution plays a vital role in creating a joyful and inclusive experience.
This shared effort reflects the strength and dedication of our community and a wider commitment to making sure everyone feels welcome.
Reflecting Gateways’ values and purpose
We are proud to lead from the front within the disability community and advocate for more inclusive disability centred events and spaces. We will always be committed to inclusion, connection and supporting people with disability to live meaningful lives as active members of their community.
Hosting an event that brings people together in a positive, accessible and celebratory way is one of the many ways we live these values in action.
This festival is our way of saying thank you to the community we serve, and of reinforcing our belief that inclusion benefits everyone.
What to expect on the day
- Inclusive rides and activities
- Live entertainment and performances
- Interactive activations and experiences
- A range of food and refreshments
- Quiet spaces and accessible facilities
- A brand new location
Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Be part of something special
The Gateways Easter Family Fun Festival is more than an event, it’s a celebration of community, inclusion and the joy that comes from feeling like you truly belong.
We invite you to join us and be part of a day created with you in mind!
Tickets will be available soon via Trybooking. Register, bring your family and friends, and help us celebrate the beauty of a diverse welcoming community!
You may also like:
- Teeing up for a good cause: Gateways Support Services Charity Golf Day
- Your next home could be here – join us in Newcomb
- Celebrating 45 Years of Gateways: A legacy of inclusion and community
- Join us to celebrate International Day of People with Disability at Gateways
- Chris takes centre stage at the theatre!


