Member for Taylor, Leesa Vlahos, has abseiled 132 metres down Westpac House this morning as part of Abseil for Anglicare, a fundraiser for Autism education services. At the time of her abseil, Ms Vlahos raised $7,313 for the Anglicare Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC). At the time of writing, participants raised a confirmed total $128,172. Ms Vlahos said that the ASELCC is a very worthy cause to raise money for.
“No two people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are the same. That’s why AnglicareSA’s specialist child care centre is so special,” Ms Vlahos said.
Ms Vlahos explained that the ASELCC, based in Prospect, was the first of its kind in Australia. It is a purpose design and built facility that caters to the needs of children are diagnosed with ASD. Vlahos added that the centre also provides holistic supports for families, which can include making connections into other AnglicareSA services. Each child care centre student requires approximately $10,000 in funding per year to support their services.
“I had the privilege to spend time with Sarah, the centre manager, and students yesterday. The early intervention work that they do there are really improving lives. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this great cause. There are many families in Adelaide’s north near my electorate of Taylor, that are affected by ASD.” Ms Vlahos commented.

When South Australian Parliament resumes, Ms Vlahos is due to present a Private Members Motion in recognition of World Autism Day and Abseil for Anglicare.