Autism Community Network

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-108551

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Autism Community Network

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (18:13):

:00 In August I was pleased to attend the Autism Community Network trivia fundraiser. The Autism Community Network was founded in 2011 by Steve Drakoulis, a local dad with a son on the spectrum. The network has grown vastly over the years with the support of over 60 volunteers across New South Wales. The network does not receive any recurrent funding, but relies on fundraising and donations to continue its great work. That is why fundraising events like the trivia night are vital to the network. This year's trivia was run by the network's organising committee and led by Arnie Bateup and Karen Kempe. Although my team did not win, the fundraiser was a huge success for the network, raising over $8,000. This money will be reinvested into the organisation to assist with developing community education and awareness programs. Once again I recognise the work of the Autism Community Network. I look forward to continuing to support the network in the future.