Autism Angels needs your help to keep their autism support services alive.
The not-for-profit group, established by Despina Havelas has until now been operating gratis as a drop in and support centre for autism affected families, at the building leased by the Australian Turkish Cypriot Cultural and Welfare Association (ATCWA) at 76 Bigg Street, St Albans.
As previously reported in Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE), the council refused to extend the lease to ATCWA in April, leaving Autism Angels up in the air as to whether they will be granted a space following the upcoming lease application process.
While Brimbank council has allowed the Angels to stay on during the selection process in which they will accept lease applications from various community groups, Brimbank General Manager for Community Wellbeing, Kelly Grigsby had previously told NKEE that Brimbank Autism Angel’s request to use the space on a permanent basis, “is not possible.”
“Council officers have recommended Brimbank Autism Angels seek funding to establish a service base as other similar groups have done in Victoria,” she had said.
Ms Havelas is currently organising a dinner dance to help raise funds for the group.
She had hoped to put the money towards the creation of ‘communication books’ to assist autistic children with speech difficulty.
However this may not be possible if there is no premise to work out of.
“We would love it if the Greek community would get behind our children and families because the council isn’t helping us,” she said.
“They tell us we can apply for a lease but then we receive a letter saying that we can’t use the premise as office space.”
“We need a permanent space because this is a long-term process. Our children will become adults one day and they still need ongoing help so we are trying to work as best as we can to make the quality of life better for these kids.”
The Autism Angels Dinner Dance will be held on June 5 at the Luxor Function Centre The Ballroom in Taylors Lakes at 6:30pm.
The event will include a three course meal, supper, and live entertainment from band, City Cruize, and Many the Clown. Adult tickets are $80.00, children are $40.00.
If you are interested in attending the dinner dance, and/or assisting the Autism Angels find a new home, please contact Despina Havelas: (03) 9362 1000 or 0404 522 226.
