Parramatta dives into inclusion this December

Published on 20 November 2025

A joyful scene in a swimming pool with four people. A woman laughs brightly while a man holds a child. Another child swims nearby, creating a fun, cheerful mood.

Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) is making a splash this International Day of People with Disability with a free event on 4 December featuring inclusive fitness sessions, pool access and much more.  

This is one of many ways for the community to experience the annual celebrations, with Collective Leisure’s Sportability Club in collaboration with Active Parramatta also offering adults living with disability a free weekly multi-sports program and PHIVE hosting a free morning of art, movement and sensory fun.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the City is proud to celebrate diversity in meaningful ways.

“This is what inclusion in action looks like – a community coming together to support people with disabilities to reach their potential and actively participate in community life,” Cr Zaiter said.

“From our inclusive programs to our accessible spaces, we’re putting inclusion into action and continuing to build a City that’s welcoming for everyone.

“We invite everyone to get involved, celebrate and learn how we can all play a part in creating a community that truly includes all.”

City of Parramatta initiatives for International Day of People with Disability include:

  • The city’s cultural and civic hub PHIVE will be lit up purple on Wednesday 3 December – a simple but powerful reminder that inclusion starts with awareness.
  • Collective Leisure’s Sportability Club: a weekly adaptive multi-sport program for adults 18+ with a disability, offering a free first session upon sign-up.
  • Hear Well, Live Well across our Libraries: free, quick hearing checks and consultations with certified clinicians for Australian citizens aged 18+ from 1-10 December.
  • Auslan Interpreted Story Time at Parramatta Library: an inclusive Auslan-Interpreted Story Time (Australian Sign Language) that brings stories to life for Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children through expressive storytelling and Auslan interpretation.
  • IDPwD: Move, create, connect at Parramatta Library: a free morning of art, movement and sensory fun for all ages and abilities on Monday 1 December from 10am-1pm with Messy Makers, STEAM Education and active movement.
  • PAC IDPwD: Celebrating Inclusion: a free event on Thursday 4 December from 11am-2pm at Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) featuring inclusive fitness sessions, pool access, quiet spaces and community connection.

The City’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan continues to guide efforts to make Parramatta accessible for everyone. PHIVE also spotlights accessibility in My Practical Guide to Accessibility at PHIVE, following local scooter user Steve as he explores the building’s inclusive features.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year. For more information visit the City of Parramatta website.          

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