Roll up, roll up!

It was razzle dazzle and popcorn as around 3,000 kids and their families rolled up to the Rotary Club of Liverpool West’s annual Stardust Circus at Carysfield Park, Bass Hill, NSW.

Now in its 20th year, the event’s eight shows provide an opportunity for unwell children, children living with a disability, and low-income families to go to the circus for free, thanks to the generous support of local businesses.

“It was fabulous to see so many young children who would normally not have the opportunity to enjoy the lights and action of the circus extravaganza attending.”

“This is an important initiative for our club that we all look forward to making happen,” club Treasurer Gary Halliday said. “COVID put it on hold for two years, and the rain cast doubt on it going ahead. But, like magic, it was on.

“It was fabulous to see so many young children who would normally not have the opportunity to enjoy the lights and action of the circus extravaganza attending.”

The event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of businesses across the Liverpool and surrounding regions. With their help, Rotary can provide tickets completely free of charge, and extend the invitation to support workers, carers, and family members as well.

“With COVID and then the torrential rain, it was great to see all the families out and about, relaxing and taking their mind off these stressful times,” Gary said.

“The kids loved it,” said Vicki Losic, a carer of special needs children, who brought four youngsters to the circus. “They were thrilled by the young trapeze artists, but I think their favourite might have been the clowns, goats and trick ponies. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to bring them along.”