Close to 400 people gathered at Flagstaff Hill's lighthouse on Tuesday to mark World Autism Day in Wollongong.
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Kylie O'Neill welcomed support from The Disability Trust who helped her organise the event to raise awareness for people in the Illawarra living on the autism spectrum. Many families were among those who watched RMS turn the lighthouse blue. The majority wore blue t-shirts. And they were joined police, firefighters and some Harley owners.
Mrs O'Neill's five year old daughter (Grace) was diagnosed with autism in 2016. She knows the importance of not only raising awareness but for people on the spectrum and their families to know they don't have to walk the autism journey alone. "There are many new faces here this year. The support is amazing," she said.
Disability Trust's Mathew Martin said Mrs O'Neill did "an absolutely awesome job".
"A day like this really helps the broader community understand what it is like raising a child with autism. And that can bring about more support and respect in the community. It also helps the families of children with autism feel more supported".
"And Wollongong City Council has also been wonderful.
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