The You’re Kidding Me expo will go ahead at a new location this year, bringing a week-long schedule of free activities and support services to Charlestown Square.
Kicking off on Monday 15 May, more than 50 service providers, healthcare practices and local businesses will be at the ready to give families expert advice from 9am to 2pm daily.
Reptile shows, character meet and greets, and story times with local heroes are just some of the interactive activities on offer for the little ones, while parents and carers soak up the support on offer.
Lake Macquarie City Council Community Planner Children and Families Jessica Salvador said this year’s program would be a celebration of the entire You’re Kidding Me program.
“We’re celebrating 10 years running this year, and during this time we’ve provided life-changing support to thousands of families”.
“This is the largest and longest-running family expo in the Hunter and we’re excited to be making it more accessible than ever, by holding a week-long event in this fantastic new location”.
Early Start Speech Pathology is among the local organisations involved in the expo since its inception. Director and Speech Pathologist Michelle Batey said it was incredible to watch how families of all kinds walk away with valuable and actionable advice.
“No matter whether you’re a first-time parent or have been around the block before, it can be daunting to reach out for help,” Ms Batey said.
“It’s great to be part of something that offers such a variety of services, all in the one place”.
This year’s expo is partially funded under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative and developed by Council to provide support where regional families frequent most.
“Often people aren’t aware of the amount of local support available. This is an opportunity for families to come and make community connections to help develop resilient and confident kids,” Ms Salvador said.
