Social Inclusion Week

National Street Party is the  pinnacle event during Social Inclusion Week, which runs from 20-28 November. It is a valuable way for governments, councils, educational institutions and other community bodies to raise awareness about the great importance of building social connections.

You can host an event in your neighbourhood to celebrate Social Inclusion Week. Just fill in a National Street Party registration form to get started!

Dr Jonathon Welch AM

The founder of the National Street Party, Dr Jonathon Welch AM has a long-standing passion for social justice and an overarching commitment to the community. Considered one of the finest tenors of his generation, Welch is also a man of the people.  Throughout his career, he has applied his talents and passion to numerous community and youth education initiatives; including the creation and direction of some of Australia’s finest community choirs, Sydney Street Choir and the Choir of Hard Knocks, now known as The Choir of Hope and Inspiration.

The Choir of Hard Knocks, now known as the Choir of Hope and Inspiration saw Welch apply his musical talents to develop a non-profit choir for the homeless and disadvantaged, providing an opportunity for participants from divergent and often disadvantaged backgrounds to come together and enjoy creative expression and involvement.  In doing so, these people develop greater self-esteem and a sense of belonging and community engagement.

Realising the potential of similar projects to connect people, encourage participation and form communities, Welch devised the concept of a National Street Party, the  pinnacle celebratory event within Social Inclusion Week, and a valuable awareness generating tool for governments, councils, educational institutions and other community bodies.