Published: 29 June 2012

Staff and guests at the Centacare-Trinity and Darra-Jindalee Parish "Carer's Day" on June 17, including Trisha Schefe (right), Fr Dan Carroll (3rd from left) and Aiden Della-Ricca (seated in the middle)

Darra Jindalee Parish and Centacare-Trinity have jointly hosted a carer's day for families who have children with disabilities.

In a wonderful initiative providing equal parts inclusion, respite and fun, over 10 families and 70 people enjoyed a BBQ, live music, face-painting, hat-making and a giant jumping castle.

Trisha Schefe, program manager at Centacare Trinity, spoke of how lucky they had been to meet with Parish Priest Dan Carroll, who arranged 40 volunteers to help out on the day.

"Our goal had been to build some informal supports within the community for these families, rather than paid support, by linking them into youth groups and so on," Trisha said.

"Initially we met with Fr Dan to discuss what parish groups were available and what ones we could feasibly work our young people into but then he came up with this idea instead.

"The day was specifically for the mums and dads of clients, however, we had some staff available to look after the young people we normally deliver a service too while everyone else relaxed.

"I think the event went really well and it was great to see the parish community so accepting of all the families.

This was Centacare-Trinity's first opportunity to work in concert with a parish community.

The organisation, which operates out of Sumner Park, provides respite for families living with a disability as its core business.

After this successful venture they now have hopes to start relationships with other parishes throughout the area they serve, which stretches from Sherwood to Springfield.

An application for funding to host a disability walk in Springfield in September is also pending.

To contact Centacare-Trinity for more information about their services phone 3217 0336.