World Autism Awareness Day 2012
Melbourne Event: Sunday 1 April 2012
World Autism Awareness Day was supported by thousands of people around Victoria, as well as across Australia and around the world!
In Melbourne, the 1.2km walk from Alexandra Gardens drew over 3000 people of all ages, wearing blue and carrying balloons along the riverbank. It was a great sight and even better when they were all released in Birrarung Marr.
Fed Square, Crown Casino and AAMI Stadium all “lit up blue” for Autism Awareness on the nights of 1 and 2 April.
T-shirts saying “Perfectly Different. Differently Perfect.” which sold out before the walk began.
We were delighted to have the Governor of Victoria, the Honorable Alex Chernov AC QC and Mrs Chernov attended the walk with Mrs Chernov giving a short address to the walkers before the walk.
X-Factor contestant, Declan Sykes led the walk with Ben Carbonaro and Katrina Shepherd carrying the banner.
WAAD 2012 Around Victoria
Groups all around Victoria organised events throughout the state:
- Around Victoria 26 March to 4 April: Rod Gregory, “The Old Fella”, comedian, supporting Autism Awareness at regional venues across the state. Detail: T: 0400 091 440
- Yarra Valley Sat 24 March: Whispering Hills Winery afternoon, live music by Shortnote. Bookings (recommended): 03 5964 2822
- Wendouree Wed 28 March: Wendouree Primary School – Light it up blue day
- Box Hill Fri 30 March: walk for awareness. Details Robert T: 0404 922 337
- Hoppers Crossing Sat 31 March:”The Crossing” live band & dinner at the Sound Bar, Hoppers Crossing. Details T: 9731 7752
- Glen Waverley 31 March/1 April: purchase awareness items at the Coco Lounge and Mocha Joe’s. Details T: Rachel 0417 156 887
- Yarram Sun 1 April: Family fun event. Details T: Alison 5182 0277
- Melbourne Sun 1 April: walk and balloon release 1pm to 4pm (see top of page)
- Abbotsford Sun 1 April: 9am to 1pm – help build a giant LEGOTM ribbon. Details events@asdaid.org
- Geelong Sun 1 April: walk and balloon release. Details T: Sue 0419 160 159
- Ballarat Sun 1 April: 11am at Lake Wendouree – walk and balloon release. Details Kris T: 5341 2768
- Keilor Sun 1 April: 11am at Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve – teddy bear’s picnic. Details T: 0404 522 226
- Ringwood 1 April: council lighting up blue for autism awareness
- Sale Sun 1 April: walk for awareness. Details Adele T: 0437 588 360
- Bendigo 2-6 April: information and show bags from Commonwealth Carelink. Details Andrew T: 5445 0701
- Sale Tues 3 April: Latrobe Community Health Services afternoon tea and trivia. Details Karen T: 5143 9822
- Glen Waverley Sun 15 April: sensory-friendly running of the movie “The Pirates” at Village Cinema. Details T: 9720 1118 or reception@irabina.com
Media kit for your local WAAD event
To help you get the local media involved, here are some resources to get you started.
- Media Release - add your local event details to this release in the space provided
- Backgrounder on Amaze and ASD
- WAAD Flyer for regional events – add your own event details
Social StoryTM for World Autism Awareness Day Melbourne 2012
An event such as this can be overwhelming to individuals with an ASD and to help ensure that everyone was prepared for the event, a Social Story for Melbourne Walk 2012 was developed for the day.
World Autism Awareness Day – Sat 2 April 2011
An estimated 1500 supporters joined the walk from Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda to the Beachcomber Cafe (event sponsors) where Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services, MP Mary Wooldridge spoke before 2000 multi-coloured balloons were released. Autism Victoria staff were supported by over 40 volunteers who assisted on the day.
WAAD 2011 Around Victoria
- Bairnsdale: regular supporter Troy Easton organised two schools to fundraise and wear something blue for autism awareness.
- Ballarat: the Ballarat Autism Network organised a walk around Ballarat Lake and a balloon release to celebrate the day.
- Mildura: The Mildura Base Hospital sold multi-coloured wristbands and filled the foyer with multi-coloured helium balloons, spreading awareness about autism around the hospital.
- Shepparton: The GV Support Group for Children with Special Needs teamed up with the children’s services students at Goulburn Ovens TAFE (GO TAFE) for their Autism Awareness Walk around Victoria Park Lake with prizes for the most outrageously dressed and activities for the children, run by the students.
The GO TAFE students made sure the kids had lots of fun at Shepparton.
World Autism Awareness Day – Fri 2 April 2010
We celebrated WAAD by walking from the office in Carlton to the State Library with 800 people and 1000 multi-coloured balloons representing the individuality of people on the Autism spectrum.
World Autism Awareness Day March 2010 from Autism Victoria on Vimeo.