OUR FUTURE – anticipates equal social, economic and life opportunities for all autistic Tasmanians.….
OUR PRESENT – confirms we have strong foundations to contribute to this endeavour.
OUR PAST – is our record of achievement for the Tasmanian autistic community.
OUR PEOPLE – staff and volunteers dedicate their talents to service our community. We are indebted to them all.
We celebrate our 30 year anniversary. We reflect on what we have done in the past, where we are now and what the future holds for Autism Tasmania.
The people who have been on this journey with us as an organisation are at the core of what we do. They have and continue to connect the past, present and future in everything we do.
In the interim – DONATE NOW
Every $75 donated will educate 1 person to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting an autistic person achieve equal outcomes in community and employment.
Help Autism Tasmania build spaces that demonstrate the importance of autistic-safe spaces. (Target is $60 000 in 2023 for us to be the change we wish to see across the world)
Every $75 donated educates one new family or community member to be open to Autism and to appreciate and gain knowledge, skills and confidence in the simple things that make a difference.
AUTISM TASMANIA LOGO
Our logo symbolises the rare native Tasmania orchid (Thelymitra or sun orchid). This fascinating plant is a significant part of the flora of Tasmania. It’s flowers are blue, pink, or yellow. This logo inspires our mission. Just like the autism community, this extraordinary plant blooms “only when the conditions are right!”
FUTURE
ANTICIPATING A BRIGHTER SUSTAINED FUTURE
The voices of our founding members still echo today. They gave voice to their aspirations for the future of equal outcomes for autistic Tasmanians. So much has been achieved, driven by such exceptional volunteer talent and clever use of very few resources.
Navigating the relentless changes to the national, state and local funding and service delivery models; the changing recognition of the value in partnerships in advocating for system integration; and somehow keeping an organisation and its staff and volunteers on track – is no easy task.
Autism Tasmania has done so very well for the Tasmanian autistic community There is much more to do. Just ask the Select Senate Committee on Autism that dedicated two years to investigate the needs of the Autistic community and concluded that:
“Life outcomes for autistic Australians are unacceptably poor. This comes at an enormous personal, social and economic cost”
Autism Tasmania is delighted with this statement and eagerly awaits the invitation to be involved in shaping the actions that change this reality.
In the interim, and at the local state level we are calling for the Tasmanian government to take the bold leadership to respond to this Senate statement and in:
1
National Strategy
Supporting Autism Tasmania to establish a Tasmanian Autism Alliance to partner with government to be the voice for Tasmanians and the National Autism Strategy.
2
Employment
Ensure the refreshed Accessible Island Disability Action Plan commits to investing in upskilling government, HR and frontline staff.
3
Community Inclusion
Collaborate on initiatives to improve community education.
4
Workforce
Lead the mandatory inclusion of autism competencies in disability qualifications. 40% of the participants are autistic.
5
Education
Review the performance of the Disability Inclusion policies and practices at all State schools. The new plan is not working.
6
National Funding
Require all national projects to demonstrate how they link with and build on the existing networks and capabilities in Tasmania.
In the interim – DONATE NOW
Every $75 donated will educate 1 person to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting an autistic person achieve equal outcomes in community and employment.
Help Autism Tasmania build spaces that demonstrate the importance of autistic-safe spaces. (Target is $60 000 in 2023 for us to be the change we wish to see across the world)
Every $75 donated educates one new family or community member to be open to Autism and to appreciate and gain knowledge, skills and confidence in the simple things that make a difference.
PRESENT
First national Autism-specific policy!
New federal government commits to develop a National Autism Strategy as recommended by the Select Senate Committee on Autism – Services, support and life outcomes for autistic Australians.
FINALLY, OUR CALL IS HEARD!
- Autism Tasmania continued to implement new capacity building targets.
- State Government consulting on changes to the Disability Services Act and moved to appoint new Disability Commissioner.
- Federal election, Autism Tasmania active in national work with the Australian Autism Alliance campaign – Shifting the dial on Autism.
TRANSFORMATION UNDERWAY
- First 3-year grant with the new NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) strategy to build the capacity of our organisation and our community. Year 1 begins.
- 4th CEO appointed to lead the transformation and align Autism Tasmania.
- Building our local office presence and in-house learning and peer spaces in Burnie, Launceston (NEW) and Hobart (NEW).
- Successful advocacy to STOP NDIS change to independent assessments.
- Over 2500 active members.
COVID PANDEMIC IMPACTS US ALL
- Worked with State authorities to accommodate the needs of our community in vaccination, mask mandates and better communication.
- Adjusted our service delivery to ensure safety for participants and staff. Pivoted to online delivery of advisory and learning programs.
NDIS Transition challenges continue to impact our community as we learn to navigate the new landscape for services access
PAST
Oct 2017 – Launched NDIS Support Coordination Service building on our autism expertise and our strong networks with service providers
DIFFERENT or BETTER? FUNDING CHALLENGES
New challenges and opportunities as highlighted in our strategy and NDIS transition roadmap.
- Training program builds with learning opportunities for many
- Board of governance oversees strategy and 1st Autistic chairperson elected
- National Autism Week events and PRISM events well received by all
- Funded for our Peer Support the Autistic Way (PSAW)
Sep 2016 – Australian Autism Alliance established. Autism Tasmania is founding member and co-chair.
BRAVE NEW WORLD FOR DISABILITY
- We proudly opened our new head office in Goulburn Street, Hobart.
- Membership free for members of the Autistic community.
- New Constitution established. This marks the shift from Management Committee to Board of Governance.
- Major website upgrade with Unlocking the Potential – The Middle Years.
Dec 2015 – NDIS commences rollout across Tasmania. Radical transformation of services alongside mass confusion and need for community guidance.
Mar 2013 – State Government establishes Autism Advisory Panel
Aug 2013 – Independent review of Education for student with disability.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
- We continue to build our organisation, our programs and our reach across the State.
- Welcome 3rd CEO.
- Community awareness activities continue to build – Light it up Blue campaign. Making Futures Brighter.
- “While we are not funded for individual advocacy, we are charged with a responsibility to raise system issues, identify service gaps and advocate for improved access and quality of services with governments, as we improve understanding and awareness of ASD” – Chairperson
- Major commitment to support our community during the tragic Dunalley fires.
CALL TO ACTION and PROGRAM FUNDING
- We appointed our very 1st CEO.
- We established our clear call to action.
- “Develop, innovate public policies and service delivery models
- Improve educational services
- Develop an integrated comprehensive system of support for families, for improved services for all adults” (Chairperson)
- Successful bid to deliver national initiatives, Early Days parent education program and HCWA programs across Tasmania.
Mar 2010 – Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) program begin across Australia. $12K therapy funding per child!
Jan 2009 – Autism Advisor Services Commences.
STATEWIDE FOUNDATIONS ESTABLISHED
- Office locations established in both Hobart and Launceston. Staff numbers grow.
- Services expanded with start of new Autism Advisor Service in addition to Family Support Coordination and establishment of peer networks.
- Partnerships gain momentum.
- Tasmanian Anglicare on Community for Children Program.
- National Positive Partnerships in conjunction with Australian Autism Education and Training Consortium.
FUNDING for GROWTH NOW URGENT
- Challenged by how to evolve from small volunteer organisation to a commercially viable service supported by both federal and state governments.
- Secured continued funding from Commonwealth to deliver up to 3 respite functions for families each year.
- Financial viability remains a concern, however work continues on all fronts.
Mar 2007 – new logo released. Our Tasmanian orchid emblem symbolises our aspiration. Just like our community the orchid only flowers when the conditions are right.
Aug 2005- Tasmanian Department of Education releases new Autism Plan
Apr 2005 – 2nd Autism Tasmania State Conference.
MOVING OUT OF HOME… into share house!
- Operations commenced from a room allocated by Giants Steps, Deloraine.
- First paid employee appointed Family Support Coordinator – 2 days / week. State-wide service coverage.
- Tasmanian appointed President of National Autism Council of Australia.
- New National Autism Awareness week campaign – Face Autism theme launched.
- Advocacy work maturing with State Budget submission calling for increased funding for education.
Jul 2004 – Call for increased funding for autism consultants in Tasmanian education sector.
Apr 2003 – World Autism Congress, Melbourne
Jun 2003 – Inaugural Autism Tasmania State conference
Sep 2001 – Autism Tasmania delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Guy Green as our 1st Patron!
THE YEAR WE LED THE NATION
- Autism Tasmania volunteers hosted the exceptionally successful national conference with a program full of local, national and international speakers and delegates.
- Autism week campaign and community engagement grows.
- Launched – A world of difference.
Sep 1999 – State Government releases report: Rewards and Challenges – Inclusive Practice – But still only 1 Autism Consultant in state-wide role.
Sep 1997 – How do we:
- meet the needs of many families seeking help for next steps?
- reinforce our common interests across the many groups?
- help families with children approaching adolescence?
AT CROSSROADS – TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Growth in demand – due to the 5 years of voluntary efforts of members raising awareness, educating parents, professionals and the community.
“We have built a foundation, but it is time to take stock of the contemporary needs of the autistic community we serve AND to determine how to strike balance for the volunteer management committee” – Chairperson.
Forged links with new groups – Young Autism Support Tasmania (YAST) established by parents pursuing behavioural intervention therapy.
OUR IMPACT & FUNDS GROWS
Visionary Tasmanians proactively influenced state and national development.
Two steering committees worked in parallel. Autism Tasmania raised autism profile. Giant Steps pursued funding.
The membership growth is “encouraging and daunting with many more children being identified with autism and Asperger’s syndrome – but specific services for adolescents and adults non-existent” (chairperson).
- Secured first of a series of Commonwealth grants expanding access to seminars, library and peers.
- Successful poster competition at Autism Month launched
Jun 1995 – Tasmania’s first specialised education and therapeutic centre (Giant Steps) opened at Deloraine. 15 children enrolled. $15000 per child for a 3 year period.
First Autism Consultant appointed by the Department of Education. One person – state-wide responsibilities
Nov 1993 – 100+ health and education professionals and the community attended the first State conference. Our reputation for hosting national and international experts expands.
– Tasmania Dept of Education establishes Taskforce on Statewide Provision of Services for children with Autism.
FIRST of MANY FIRSTS!
The very active volunteer management committee met every 6 weeks and worked on many fronts to achieve our first:
- Parent information kit and brochure.
- Donations generated from fundraising activities.
- Grant from Tascare for Children.
- Quarterly newsletters.
- National Autism Week in Tasmania – car bumpers stickers, button days, community service announcements.
- Series of conferences and public seminars for professional and the community.
CONNECTION and ACTIVATION
Passionate people connected with others across Tasmania, nationally and internationally and joined together in their pursuit of autism knowledge and supports.
Discovered common purposes and aspirations.
Inspired after attending the National Conference, the founding members worked to form Autism Tasmania Incorporated, while learning to how to parent autistic children, hold down responsible jobs – and find time to volunteer and champion this cause for all Tasmanians.
Oct 1992 – Autism Tasmania Incorporated established! From a private – home long before the internet era. 57 members.
PEOPLE – HONOUR ROLL
Chairpersons
Skye MITCHELL
Chairperson
2022
Kieran McDONALD
Chairperson
2018 – 2021
Geraldine ROBERTSON
Chairperson
2017 – 2018
Dijon BARRET
Chairperson
2015 – 2017
Mick CLARK
Chairperson
2011 – 2015
Mark WARD
Chairperson
2008 – 2011
1992 – 1996
Penny CROMARTY
Chairperson
2006 – 2008
Ros WARD
Chairperson
2004 – 2006
Rachel HODGE
Chairperson
2001 – 2003
Rose CLARK
Chairperson
1996 – 2001
Committee, CEO, Staff and Volunteers
- Andrea BRUMBY – CEO
- Donna BLANCHARD – CEO
- Manuel DUHARTE – CEO
- Terry BURKE – CEO
- Alison FLAKEMORE – Board
- Amelia BISHOP – Board
- Anita BRUNACCI – Board
- Annette BEECHEY – Board
- Cheryl SCOTT – Board
- Christine WRIGHT – Board
- David DONALD – Board
- Dijon BARRETT – Board
- Dr Andrew DAVIES – Board
- Geraldine ROBERTSON – Board
- Jenny VINCE – Board
- Jenny MITTERBAUER – Board
- John CHRISTIE – Board
- Kathryn FORDYCE – Board
- Kathy GILL – Board
- Kieran MCDONALD – Board
- Kieron CORNWELL – Board
- Kirsty BARTLETT-CLARK – Board
- Kristen DESMOND – Board
- Linda MURPHY – Board
- Mark WARD – Board
- Michael WALLEY – Board
- Michael RUTLEDGE – Board
- Mick CLARK – Board
- Mike DERBYSHIRE – Board
- Neil GARDNER – Board
- Penny CROMARTY – Board
- Philip STEVENS – Board
- Rachel HODGE – Board
- Rachel EVANS – Board
- Ronald BARNES – Board
- Ros WARD – Board
- Rosanne LAY – Board
- Rose CLARK – Board
- Roxley OLLINGTON – Board
- Skie MITCHELL – Board
- Sue THOROGOOD – Board
- Tessa MOODIE – Board
- Alison LAPHAM – Staff
- Amanda GUNDERS – Staff
- Amy JANSEN – Staff
- Anita KILLICK – Staff
- Arielle DUHARTE – Staff
- Ben LAMBERT – Staff
- Beth CHAMERLAIN – Staff
- Courtney LANDERS – Staff
- Daniel ZOMERDYK – Staff
- Deborah SMITH – Staff
- Demica MITCHELL – Staff
- Dianna KING – Staff
- Donna KENNY – Staff
- Eleanor WHITCHURCH – Staff
- Fiona REDGROVE – Staff
- Geraldine ROBERTSON – Staff
- Grace FOLEY – Staff
- Grant MALONEY – Staff
- Holger BRAND – Staff
- Izaak DE WINTER – Staff
- Jacqui KINGSLEY – Staff
- James MITCHELL – Staff
- Jason SANDERSON – Staff
- Jeanne-Claire BOYETT – Staff
- Jessica BENGE – Staff
- Jodie DENMAN – Staff
- Karen MASON – Staff
- Kate COCHRAN – Staff
- Kate WILSON – Staff
- Kathy FRY – Staff
- Kerryn PAMMENTER – Staff
- Krystyna MOYLE – Staff
- Linda SHERSTON – Staff
- Lisa BERRY – Staff
- Lisa FOOTE – Staff
- Louise FOSTER – Staff
- Maree MORGAN – Staff
- Mellissa RADFORD – Staff
- Nella KEANE – Staff
- Nicole GATES – Staff
- Nyisha BILL-ETESON – Staff
- Paige HOPE – Staff
- Pen BRAKE – Staff
- Philippa GEARD – Staff
- Rachel NEEDHAM – Staff
- Rachel STIVICIC – Staff
- Richard ANTEL – Staff
- Robyn DAVIS – Staff
- Robyn THOMAS – Staff
- Roger O’MEAGHER – Staff
- Ronsley MITCHELL – Staff
- Rose BOSCO – Staff
- Rose CLARK – Staff
- Sam COLLINS – Staff
- Sam WALSH – Staff
- Sara LINDSAY – Staff
- Sarah MUNRO – Staff
- Tracy VOSS – Staff
SEE MORE
Annual Reports
We’ve been going for 30 years, so as you’d expect, that means 30 annual reports. Here are the last 5 years reports.
