On Friday April 1st 2011 all state and territory Down Syndrome Associations joined together to form a new national entity, Down Syndrome Australia, which will represent the interests of all Australians with Down Syndrome and their families.  State and territory organisations will continue to provide support and information at a state level, just as they have done for the past 20-30 years.  Down Syndrome Australia will provide a strong national voice for advocating to government and in the community on national issues, a central point for national and international networking, a collaborative approach to the devalopment of resources and can seek federal funding and national sponsorship.  This year Down Syndrome WA celebrates the past 25 years as a growing organisation supporting West Australians, and looks forward to the next 25 years with anticipation, to a new episode in the history of the association and more recognition for people with Down syndrome.