Lake Mac to host biggest parenting expo in the Hunter
Published on 03 May 2022
The Hunter’s biggest children and family expo is just around the corner and Lake Macquarie Council is inviting new and expectant parents to attend.
Free 15-minute speech scans, car safety checks, a reptile show and workshops on improving babies sleep and the power of music are just some of the activities available at the Friday 20 May event.
Lake Macquarie City Council Community Planner Children and Families Jessica Salvador said the jam-packed expo at The Place Charlestown Community Centre would give families access to more than 50 valuable services and resources.
“When families are connected and supported in their community, they flourish,” Ms Salvador said.
“We’ve designed workshops and stalls to be diverse, enjoyable and informative so parents and their children, aged five and under, can get the most out of every experience.”
Early Start Speech Pathologist Michelle Batey said her team would host a stall offering 15-minute speech assessments.
“We’ll be looking at how kids play and interact, how they respond to instructions and how they form sentences to see if they’re developing on the right track,” Ms Batey said.
“A free stall like this is incredibly valuable for parents, given there can be long wait lists for this type of service elsewhere.”
“And early intervention is key if you want speech issues mended quickly.”
Julie Logan Music Director Julie Fawcett said her team would host a workshop using music to connect families in a way that’s fun, enjoyable and active.
“We want families to realise the positive impacts music can have on young kids,” Ms Fawcett said.
“Research shows that music stands alone as the single activity that lights up so many parts of the brain at once, building the integration of the left and right sides of the brain and IQ.”
Manager Community Partnerships Andrew Bryant encouraged families in Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas to attend the event.
“We’re really proud to host an event like this which gives all families free access to valuable parenting resources,” Mr Bryant said.
“It gives parents the opportunity to ask local experts about their child’s development and build support networks. It’s also a fun day out for children with lots of kids activities on offer.”
The You’re Kidding Me expo is run in partnership with Northcott Disability Services and The Place, Charlestown Community Centre.
Workshops are free, but bookings are essential.
More information can be found at lakemac.com.au.