The new facility, replacing an existing leased centre in Kirwan from mid-2024, will feature an additional classroom, state-of-the-art therapy rooms and a dedicated parent education room, enabling AEIOU to expand its reach and support more local children with an autism diagnosis.
The Australian Government committed $2 million to the project’s construction, and the Queensland Government dedicated a further $1 million towards the $5.6 million development. AEIOU CEO Alan Smith said private philanthropy and community fundraising has been essential, with cost-of-construction doubling in recent years.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones, representing the Australian Government at a sod turning event on Wednesday, 12 July, said breaking ground at the site marked a significant milestone for families in Townsville.