There were balloons, laughter, and more than a few dance moves as Young Academics marked the opening of its 50th centre with a community celebration at Gledswood Hills on Sunday, 14 September. Families, friends, and special guests turned out in their thousands for a free Family Fun Day that proved one thing: learning and fun go hand in hand.
The day’s big drawcard was, of course, The Wiggles, who had children (and plenty of parents) singing and jumping along to their favourite songs. But they weren’t alone — Emily Who, The Vegetable Plot, and local dance groups kept the stage buzzing from start to finish. Everywhere you looked, there were smiley faces — kids in face paint clutching balloons, parents chatting over food truck snacks, and toddlers glued to the action on stage.
Around the grounds, the activities didn’t stop. Pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon twisting, LEGO® play stations, craft corners, and an interactive sustainability zone meant little hands and curious minds were always busy. Partner activations from Sydney Zoo and The Bulldogs added an extra layer of excitement — whether it was meeting furry friends or high-fiving the team mascot, families were spoiled for choice.
On stage, Young Academics Founder and Chairman James Kazzi reflected on just how far the organisation has come: “From the very beginning, Young Academics has been about giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and thrive — and it’s thanks to the dedication of our educators that this vision comes to life every day. To see so many families celebrating this milestone with us is truly humbling.”
Among the crowd were community leaders including Cr Therese Fedeli, Deputy Mayor of Campbelltown, Mrs Sally Anne Quinnell MP, Member for Camden, and Dr Joseph Rizk AM. Their presence highlighted how deeply early education is woven into the fabric of local communities.
“This was more than a celebration — it was a thank you to every family, educator, and partner who has been part of the Young Academics story,” said Ian Fionda, Young Academics Chief Executive Officer. “Seeing children laughing, dancing, and exploring reminded us exactly why we do what we do.”
As children darted between activities, one thing stood out: the buzz of connection. Families met new friends, educators chatted with parents, and the Young Academics team shared in the joy of reaching such an important milestone. Young Academics Chief Network Officer, Jenni Gaffney summed it up: “Reaching our 50th centre is an incredible moment for everyone in the Young Academics family. Each centre is more than just a building — it’s a community where children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Sunday was proof of the impact we can have together.”
The celebration closed with families still lingering, reluctant to let the fun end — children clutching painted crafts, parents balancing ice creams, and plenty of chatter about favourite moments from the day.
As Young Academics looks to the future, the message was clear: 50 centres is a milestone worth celebrating, but it’s only the beginning. With more centres planned and more families to welcome, there will be plenty more reasons to smile well into the future.
For more photos, please view the Young Academics 50th Centre Celebration Facebook Album.
