Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Saaif Autism Conference A Huge Success

Two mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were given the opportunity to attend the Inaugural Support and Advocacy for Autism Spectrum Individuals and Families (SAAIF) Autism Conference thanks to

By Bass Coast - 30th August 2013 - Back to News

Kelly Flocas from Inverloch and Kate Walmsley from Cape Woolamai were successful nominees to attend the two-day conference, held at Lardner Park Conference Centre in Warragul on 1 and 2 August.

Over 290 attendees were given the opportunity to listen to over 20 presenters and take part in a variety of workshops, including Being A Behaviour Detective, Walking In Autistic Shoes, Talking About It At School and Holistic Healing For Our Children.

Ms Flocas described the conference as "amazing", with plenty of information.

"It was really well put together, and really well run and catered for. There were speakers from so many different aspects, from behaviour, focus on teenagers to information on how the brain works," Ms Flocas said.

"The speakers were excellent. And everyone was very approachable. If one of the speakers wasn’t able to answer your question then they would ask each other.

"I really, really appreciated being able to go and for Bass Coast Shire Council sponsoring me to attend. There was no way I could have afforded to go this year. Now I know about it we can save up for next year."

Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steve Piasente, said Council’s support of two nominees was in relation to the 10 guiding principles which are part of the disability action plan.

"These principles include fostering opportunities for increased social and civic participation, and fostering opportunities to fulfil potential through education, training and employment," Mr Piasente said.

"Priority was given to nominees who were parents, families and carers of individuals with ASD living in Bass Coast who wanted to attend the conference, but required financial assistance to do so," Mr Piasente said.

The conference was presented by SAAIF in partnership with Gippsland Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and Scope.

SAAIF is a community organisation founded by Bronwyn Davis, also the conference organiser, who has lived the autism journey her entire life. Giving up her career as a journalist in pursuit of a better life for her family, Bronwyn has now spent the last two years running the organisation.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
  Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
  Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally.
• Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
  Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026.
• Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
  Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships.
• South Gippsland Australia Day photography competition success and other council updates
  South Gippsland updates: Australia Day photo winners announced, Summerfield Oval renamed, immunisation sessions extended, community events, workshops, youth strategy consultation, and Council job opportunities available.
• Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
  Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.
• East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
  This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide."
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts free Pop-up Playgroups for children on various dates from 30 October to 12 December 2025
  Baw Baw Shire invites families to free Pop-up Playgroups with themed activities, crafts, music, storytime, and outdoor fun for children aged 0 - 5, fostering connection, learning, and community engagement.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.