Message from the CEO
Welcome to 2008 and the first edition of The Autiser for this year. I hope all our readers enjoyed the 2007/08 Festive Season. As we see in the New Year, I look forward to the exciting new challenges and changes set out for us in the year to come. Two of the major projects we are currently working on are: The Capital Funding Campaign (funding the move and the fit out of the new Autism SA Family Centre, Netley - 262 Marion Road, Netley) and the latest Federal Funding Initiatives. I see both these projects as being very important and once complete will add great value to the Autism SA Community.
Autism SA is moving into a new chapter in its development as our home of 32 years at Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank was sold in November 2007. With the fit out well and truly underway at the new establishment at Netley, the team at Autism SA look forward to moving into their new home in March 2008. We ask that our clients and their families and friends of Autism SA are understanding of any interruptions to services that may occur during this time. For more details on the Capital Funding Campaign, and ways that you can help the project please visit www.autismsa.org.au.
The second exciting project involves the latest Federal Funding Initiatives. To date, I have travelled interstate on a number of occasions to liaise with Government Policy Makers and Service Providers at a number of forums to discuss funding initiatives. There is currently a tender process operating for the funding of
professional development for teachers and workshops for parents of school aged children. Autism SA has joined a national consortium to assist in ensuring some positive outcomes for South Australia. I have also been involved in the advisory group for the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs regarding the national funding initiatives for early intervention. At this point, we are unclear of the process for the application of this funding. The national agenda is currently informing our decisions regarding the structure and operation of some of our services. Recently, we have been in the process of reviewing our proposed strategy for the co-ordination structure for the Early Development Program and School Program to ensure that we are in the best possible position to take advantage of national funding opportunities. We have also recently renamed our Family and Information Services and staff employed within the program. The team is now known as ‘Spectrum Advisory Services’ and the staff operate under the title of ‘ASD Advisors’. For more information on the Federal Funding Initiatives, please visit www.autismsa.org.au.
The year ahead looks to be a challenging yet exciting time for the Autism SA Community. I look forward to keeping you up to date on these projects as the year goes on. If you would like to receive regular Autism SA updates, please do not hesitate to join our mailing list, simply by emailing infomail@autismsa.org.au and expressing your interest.
Kind regards,
Jon Martin
CEO Autism SA