The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support inclusion and a sense of belonging in communities for Autistic Australians, with the commitment of $359,000 to Autism QLD.
The funding will support the establishment of a new Connections4Women project for Autistic women in the South Brisbane, Central Queensland and Toowoomba regions.
The project will see up to 200 Autistic women form meaningful social connections and build links in their community through a series of support groups delivered both face to face and online.
Support groups will be facilitated by an Autistic woman and a qualified therapist, with sessions to commence from next month. The co-facilitation nature of the groups will enable different perspectives and supports for participants.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will visit Autism QLD headquarters in Sunnybank Hills today to meet with the team developing the Connections4Women project.
Funding for the project is being delivered over two years (2024-25 to 2025-26) under the third Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities grants round.
Minister Rishworth said the project would provide crucial support for Autistic Queenslanders.
“I am delighted that my Government is supporting Autism QLD and the amazing community-driven work they do to foster true, positive connections for Autistic Australians with those around them,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We know Autism has not always been fully understood in how it presents in women and I’m so pleased this funding will directly go to a project specifically for Autistic women, at a time where increased awareness is now occurring.
“Our Strong and Resilient Communities program aims to deliver projects that can have a real, lasting impact on Australia.”
Thirty-four organisations from across the country – including Autism QLD – will share in more than $10.4 million awarded in the latest grant round for projects that deliver community-led solutions to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people towards self-reliance and empowerment.
Since 2022 the Government has invested close to $45 million into SARC - Inclusive Communities grants.
The Government is also developing a National Autism Strategy, to be delivered later this year, that will guide a more coordinated national approach to supports for Autistic Australians at each stage of life, including in access to services, healthcare, education and employment.
More information about the National Autism Strategy and SARC grants is available on the Department of Social Services website.