Wollongong Lighthouse is turning blue for Autism on Good Friday to mark World Autism Day.
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The iconic structure becomes a blue beacon on April 2 every year to recognise and celebrate people on the autism spectrum within the community.
World Autism Day event organiser Kylie O'Neill said the large lighthouse on Flagstaff Hill would be lit a light shade of blue for an hour from 6pm on Friday. Members of the community are invited to come from 4pm to join many local families with members on the autism spectrum.
Ms O'Neill said there would be food, entertainment and family-friendly activities. Then as the sun sinks behind the escarpment the blue lighthouse will help raise awareness about autism in the Illawarra community.
She said with support from The Disability Trust the Wollongong Lighthouse goes Blue for Autism event is free for all to attend.
"I am truly grateful for their support of this important awareness event," Ms O'Neill said.
Executive manager Matthew Martin said The Disability Trust was committed to raising awareness and acceptance for those on the autism spectrum, which is one person in every 100.
Ms O'Neill organised the first event at the lighthouse on World Autism Day in 2017 and has worked with The Disability Trust and other organisations to make the event bigger every year so more people get to know more about autism in the Illawarra community.
"Our daughter Grace has autism and she is unique with her own challenges which include no speech, difficulties with communication, Sensory Processing Disorder, difficulty in particular social and language situations, and global developmental delay," Ms O'Neill said.
"As individuals, we all have something in common, and that is everyone wants to be loved, accepted and included.
"World Autism Day is about celebrating the progress made to ensure people who live with autism feel included, and highlight the need to continue to research, create awareness and educate people.
"It is our belief that each and every person has a 'gift' that is unwrapped at different times".
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