Hundreds of youngsters descended on Wollongong’s MacCabe Park – with parents, carers and grandparents in tow – for what was the biggest-ever Lord Mayor’s Picnic in the Park on Sunday.
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At least 200 children took part in the annual event, in its 14th year, with the southern end of the park transformed into a children’s playground.
Four-year-old Charlie Freeborough will start school next year and joined his mate, Zack Wonson, also aged four, to check out what was on offer.
Charlie’s mum Casey Fettell, from Russell Vale, described the event as “brilliant”.
“He has been at preschool, but ... there’s lots of kids here and it gets him a bit more familiar with the environment of a lot of children,” she said.
Tracey Kirk-Downey, one of the event organisers, said the number of attendees exceeded expectations.
“It’s our biggest one we’ve ever had,” Ms Kirk-Downey said. “It’s full on.”
This year’s event focused on diversifying its program of activities, including those for children with special needs and incorporating Aboriginal culture.
“The main aim of today [Sunday] is to say our city celebrates the most important transition a child will make in their life with you,” she said.
“Today [Sunday] is about coming to get some extra information to help that transition go smoothly in their little backpacks that they get.”
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
