"It starts with an apology - 'I'm sorry, your child won't be able to walk, won't be able to talk'."
The first thing Stephanie Rodden wanted to do after she received her son's Down Syndrome diagnosis was to connect with other families in the same boat.
But that was something her GP couldn't give her.
Undeterred, Mrs Rodden founded Celebrate T21 - a small business dedicated to connecting, educating and empowering families who have received a Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome, diagnosis for one of their children.
On Sunday members of the group from as far afield as Newcastle, the ACT and the Shoalhaven gathered to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the achievements of people with Down Syndrome.
The Picnic Parade event was held at Towradgi Public School, with a petting pen from Matilda's Farmyard Nursery, a circus activity from Kind Art Ed, a sensory tent and a drumming workshop from Ed.U.Play.
Mum Lisa-Maree Christensen said the community built through Celebrate T21 was a source of invaluable support for families.
If someone were to ask if I wanted another baby with Down Syndrome, I'd tell them I'd take 10
- Amanda Corcoran
"It's fabulous," she said.
"It's good to be able to bounce off other parents, and hear positive feedback about what their children are doing.
"My daughter is at a mainstream school and my husband was concerned she wouldn't have alike friends to play with, but groups like this provide that."
Mrs Rodden said breaking down the stigma about what children with Down Syndrome could achieve was part of her mission through Celebrate T21.
"There is a misconception (when you receive the diagnosis) that your life is over, that your child won't be able to do anything," she said.
"It's not the case. Children with Down Syndrome have varying capabilities, like all children.
"We've got a diverse range of individuals and everyone is unique."
Mum Amanda Corcoran and her family drove down from Newcastle for the picnic parade.
Her 15-month-old daughter Amira is one of 164 featured in a book especially for parents with a recent diagnosis.
"I lost a baby to SIDS, so when we got the Down Syndrome diagnosis I was very scared," she said.
"Now if someone were to ask if I wanted another baby with Down Syndrome, I'd tell them I'd take 10."
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