Children eagerly climbed aboard trucks, marvelled at emergency service vehicles’ flashing lights and delighted at bouncing in a blow-up castle, during DCP’s first Touch-a-Truck Day.

Hundreds of people converged on Club Marion’s soccer oval for the school holiday event, held on Friday, 17 April to mark SA Youth Week and Autism Awareness Day.

Foster carer Sarah and her partner Emil attended with the three-year-old twins they care for, saying the children loved checking out the emergency vehicles – and in particular, climbing aboard a fire truck.

“They loved the fact that they could see them close up. It was also great that there was so much green grass for them to just run around,” Sarah said.

“We were grateful and the children had a ball.”

Kinship carer Chantal attended with her 13-year-old son and niece, who’s soon to turn four, saying the trucks and nursery farm were big hits with the children.

Her niece in particular loved patting the rabbits and meeting the goats, sheep, ducks and chickens. It was a big week for her after also attending a DCP school holiday event at Urimbirra Wildlife Park in Victor Harbor. “She’s so full of energy, this one,” Chantal said.

Department for Child Protection Chief Executive Jackie Bray said the day, which included a visit from Autism SA’s popular Sensory Bus, was an opportunity for children, carers and families to enjoy themselves in an inclusive environment.

“It’s so important that we give children the space to just be themselves, and it was a joy to see so many smiles at once on the day,” she said.

The event was made possible thanks to the Department’s partnerships with sponsors, which included Anglicare SA, Centacare Catholic Community Services, Flinders University, Junction Australia, Key Assets Australia, Life Without Barriers, Lutheran Care and Uniting Country SA.

DCP is hoping to run a similar event next year in Adelaide’s north.

Did you attend the Touch-a-Truck Day? We’d love to hear about your experience. Visit bit.ly/touchatruckfeedback.