Confirmed AEIOU Funding a Big Win for Local Families

Local families raising children with autism have welcomed $2M in federal funding for a new centre to help AEIOU Foundation expand its early-intervention work.

The former Coalition Government committed the funds at the last election, but the project was cast into doubt when the Albanese Labor Government announced it would be cutting the program that was set to pay for it.

After strong advocacy from local MPs Andrew Willcox and Phillip Thompson following the election, funding for a new centre was announced as part of last week’s budget.

The expansion will provide the space and staffing to provide services to an additional 12 children in the Centre, and additional outreach services.

Mr Thompson said while it was unfortunate the uncertainty had dragged on for months, it was good to see funding locked in.

“The team at AEIOU do such an important job but their Kirwan location has been problematic for some time because of local crime and a lack of space,” he said.

“That’s why we backed them in during the election campaign because we want them to be able to help more local families in a growing area of need.

“Working with AEIOU, we didn’t give up the fight and kept the pressure on the new government, so it’s great to see the project will go ahead.”

Mr Willcox said the development application for a new facility in Fairfield Waters in his electorate of Dawson had been approved, with plans well underway for construction to start soon.

“This funding is absolutely vital to empower AEIOU to continue and expand their service that makes a significant impact in the lives of children with autism and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“In their current set up, space is limited which is creating significant challenges to delivering their support services. AEIOU have persevered for a long time with these barriers and have been champions in their commitment and care for the community.

“It took relentless pestering of the Government to honour this critical funding in Dawson, and I am pleased to see this project come to fruition.

“I want to also congratulate AEIOU for the strong local advocacy.”

AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith said he welcomed the announcement in the Budget, saying it is an important development for North Queensland.

“The service AEIOU delivers is life-changing for young children and families. We thank our local representatives for their ongoing support and the Australian Government for this significant investment,” he said.