Autism’s long road

By Emma Sun
FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt will be doing a 500km walk to raise funds and awareness for autism, which will see him pass the City of Casey.
The Walk for Autism will begin at Arthurs Seat on 25 July and will finish in Cowes on Phillip Island on 12 August.
Mr Hunt will be visiting various schools and community organisations along the way and will be in Cranbourne between Thursday 4 August and Saturday 6 August.
“I hope to visit as many schools and community organisations as possible to speak about the challenges presented by autism and to encourage families to raise money for this worthwhile cause,” Mr Hunt said.
Funds raised from the Walk for Autism will be divided between Autism Victoria and the Abacus Learning Centre at Hastings, which provides early intervention therapy for local families.
City of Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon said carers of children and adults with autism were thrilled and grateful for the support the event gave.
“Autism requires wider community awareness and much-needed funding to provide vital services such as early intervention, ongoing support and therapies,” Cr Stapledon said.
“Casey Carers and supportive residents will be meeting each Monday at Casey Fields to prepare and get fit to join Mr Hunt on a number of stages of his walk.”
Mr Hunt’s first 500km walk for diabetes research in 2004 raised $65,000 and his second walk in 2007 raised more than $55,000.
He will be joined by the City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes and Cr Stapledon during parts of this year’s walk and local residents are invited to join him for all or part of the walk.
Online donations welcome at www.autismvictoria.org.au/fundraising/greg_hunt_walk.php.