Darwin’s Special Children’s Christmas Party in pictures 2023

Hundreds desceneded on the Darwin Convention Centre for a fun-filled day featuring dancing, cars, bouncing castles and more. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Puppet shows, racing cars, reptiles, and a bouncing castle were among the weekend highlights for more than 400 Top End children.

On Saturday, the Darwin Convention Centre hosted the Special Children’s Christmas Party, dedicated to supporting children with life threatening illnesses, physical or intellectual disabilities.

Event coordinator Jackie Sanders, a veteran of the tradition, said the party was about creating “lasting memories”.

“You never know what’s around the corner for these families so it’s a chance for them to just be themselves, the (kids) get two or three beautiful presents and sometimes the only thing bigger than their smiles are their bag of toys they get to take away,” she said.

“And the kids are included, it’s just an amazing day.”

Assisting with the event were members of the SES, Australian Army, Police, Fire and Emergency Services and many more.

Ms Sanders said events like hers were rare opportunities to have fun for some of the families.

“The kids may not look the same as other kids, but they’re still kids,” she said.

“A lot of these families are battling everyday as well and we just want to give them a chance to have a smile and nobody’s going to judge them.”

Ms Sanders said the event, pushing three decades old, had made generational impact.

“We’ve even had kids that have come back after they’ve had their own families,” she said.

“So I’ve seen them grow.”

Alexis at the 2023 Special Children’s Christmas Party in Darwin Convention Centre, Saturday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Christopher Bellis at the 2023 Special Children’s Christmas Party in Darwin Convention Centre, Saturday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ava and Kove at the 2023 Special Children’s Christmas Party in Darwin Convention Centre, Saturday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

2023 Special ChildrenÕs Christmas Party in Darwin Convention Centre, Saturday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ghostbusters was a massive hit. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Christopher Bellis enjoying the Party. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Laphia enjoyed her arts and craft. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darien couldn’t keep the smile of his face. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mina Nooriafshar was not shy of the camera. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mina and Roya Nooriafshar preparing to drag their presents home. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The party was fun for young and younger alike. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Oscar Lee and Maddie Evans. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Milah Cubillo, Ben Cubillo, Kelly Bruce and Kim Pickett. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jacob Espie and Daniel Espie. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Donna and Bec. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tim Read, William Read and Shay Read. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aldrich was happy to spend the party colouring in. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lia Finocchiaro and Issac Burke. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Anaztasia. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It doesn’t matter if it’s 10.30am, Zaijan is dancing. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Hunter Mclaren having a great time. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Artchie with the Santa. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Christopher Bellis had plenty of energy for the bouncing castle. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Archie and Dennis. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Hunter family enjoying their goodies. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jett Spitzbarth. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rubi and Indi handling the crocodile. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Korah Sharp had a great time. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Max Lenorr had plenty to smile about. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Topsie having a great time on the inflatables. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Baek, Jo and Laon at the 2023 Special ChildrenÕs Christmas Party in Darwin Convention Centre, Saturday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mason, Sasha, Stella, Tyson, Annis and Sam showing off their goodie bags. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Zahalee Wedlock and Declan Wedlock with the Santa. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Clare and Lily. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sarah and Elliot. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Clare and Lily. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charlotte, Danielle, Miller and Josh. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charlie Tulloch enjoyed being behind the wheel. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ghostbusters was a massive hit with the kids. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bethany Sherry and Xavier Vanos. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Niko Lay, Jasmine Lay and Marcus Lay with Fairy Jill. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Freddy, Stuart and Stanley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dani Eveleigh and Sebastian Jones. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Issac Henerson, Adam Kolstad and Scott Tough. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Scott Tough. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Trish Visser, Belinda Kolstad and Adam Kolstad. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kinisha Mcdonald. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dwayne Uibo and Keanu Uibo. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gifts were in high-demand. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Santa was a busy man at the Convention Centre. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The queue to the obstacle course was an excited one. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Food and drink was easy to come by. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The stage is set. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Some diggers decided to park their Hawkei in the party. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Much fairy floss was devoured. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jackie Sanders, Event Coordinator, ready for the fun. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charlize Moor and Harper Hills. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charlize Moor and Harper Hills with the Mandalorians. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

St John Ambulance with the Ghostbuster. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

William and Marcus. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kristy Clancy, Thomas Lauder and Angela Twine from SES. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tessa Vale, Xavier Devir and Angela Twine from SES. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kashiyih Hammer. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Judith Munro gives her approval. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as Darwin’s Special Children’s Christmas Party in pictures 2023