Sod Turned on New AEIOU Centre
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has welcomed the start of construction on a new purpose-built Townsville centre for early-intervention for children with autism today.
The former Coalition Government committed $2M in federal funding at the last election for the AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism to construct the new facility, 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.
The new facility will allow AEIOU to expand their service offering to more local families who require their much-needed support, having operated out of a cramped and no-longer-suitable centre in Kirwan.
Mr Thompson said the announcement was an important milestone for the community.
“This new centre nearly didn’t happen when the Albanese Labor Government announced it was cutting the Building Better Regions Fund,” he said.
“We didn’t give up the fight, partnering with AEIOU we were able to make the case for funding.
“The need for AEIOU’s services is constantly growing, which means their centre needs to grow too.
“A fit-for-purpose facility in Townsville will improve their ability to give local kids with autism the opportunity for the best possible start in life.”
ENDS