By Bridget Cook
FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt has taken huge steps to highlight the needs of children with autism and raise awareness about the illness that’s rarely reported.
On Friday last week, Mr Hunt completed his 19-day, 500 kilometre sponsored Walk for Autism around the Flinders electorate in Phillip Island.
Mr Hunt joined Autism Victoria and the Hastings-based Abacus Learning Centre to help raise awareness in the community and to raise funds for both organisations.
He managed to raise more than $30,000.
Along the way he visited 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.
On Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August Mr Hunt made his way into the City of Casey and visited schools and venues in his electorate including Pearcedale, Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows, Clyde and Tooradin primary schools.
Autism spectrum disorder affects about 30,000 Victorians and is a lifelong condition.
A child with autism finds the world a confusing place and often struggles to communicate and socialise with other children.
Mr Hunt said he wanted to do the work for autism as it was an illness rarely reported on.
“So many mums and dads came to me with stores about their kids,” he said.
“I realised there was a much bigger issue out there than I understood.
“What has struck me most forcefully is the struggle many of these families have in accessing adequate support and assistance.
“I believe a lot more can be done to support families caring for children with autism.
“Crucially, community understanding helps make life better for those with autism.”
Mr Hunt said he was impressed by the community support throughout his venture and how well he was received by each school.
“The highlight for me was the response from students and their parents,” he said.
“I had two mums from Somerville who joined me for 200 kilometres respectively.
“In all the schools, kids learnt about the issue of autism and had the chance to talk about it and ask questions.
“Every day, in different places, different people joined us. On some legs of the walk, I had up to 10-15 people walking with me.
“That was very exciting.”
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes and councillors Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett joined Mr Hunt for part of the walk through Casey.
Ms Stapledon said Mr Hunt’s walk has raised a significant amount of awareness about autism and has also raised funds to assist Autism Victoria and Abacus Learning Centre.
“Parents and carers are so grateful to Greg for his efforts and for understanding how critical the issue around autism is and how much understanding, support and financial assistance is needed,” she said.
Donations can be made online at www.autismvictoria.org.au /fundraising/greg_hunt_walk.php.
