The Autism Community Network provides opportunities for carers, families and individuals dealing with autism issues to connect for mutual support. We run support groups, social groups and other events across different parts of Sydney.
As we don't charge for our services, we rely heavily on volunteers to provide all the support we do, as well as funding and other help from partner organisations. If you would like to get involved to bring more to your community, contact us at info@autismcommunity.org.au for more information.
Please Note: Parents are required to remain on site at all children's events.
As we don't charge for our services, we rely heavily on volunteers to provide all the support we do, as well as funding and other help from partner organisations. If you would like to get involved to bring more to your community, contact us at info@autismcommunity.org.au for more information.
Please Note: Parents are required to remain on site at all children's events.
Regular groups run during school terms only unless otherwise indicated.
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Term 1: Tue 29 Jan - Fri 12 Apr
School Holidays: 13 - 28 Apr |
Term 2: Mon 29 Apr - Fri 5 Jul
School Holidays: 6 - 21 July |
Term 3: Mon 22 Jul - Fri 27 Sep
School Holidays: 28 Sep-13 Oct |
Term 4: Mon 14 Oct - Fri 20 Dec
School Holidays 21 Dec - 27 Jan |
BAYSIDE
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RAMSGATE SUPPORT GROUP
Meets Fourth Tuesday each month during school terms TIME: 7.30 to 9.30 pm VENUE: Ramsgate RSL - Cnr Ramsgate Rd and, Chuter Ave, Sans Souci FACILITATED BY: Loula Evan Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support. Funded by Bayside Council Venue support provided by Ramsgate RSL |
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Feb 26 | Mar 26 | May 28 | Jun 25
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RAMSGATE CARERS LAWN BOWLS
Meets second Thursday each month during school terms TIME: 10am to noon VENUE: Ramsgate RSL - Cnr Ramsgate Rd and, Chuter Ave, Sans Souci FACILITATED BY: Liz Diab Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support. Venue support provided by Ramsgate RSL |
Our Thanks to Ramsgate RSL for providing us with these facilities free of charge. Without their support it would be difficult for us to put on this event .
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Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | May 9 | Jun 13
RAMSGATE AUTISM ADULTS SOCIAL CLUB
Meets Third Tuesday each month TIME: 6 to 8 pm VENUE: Ramsgate RSL - Cnr Ramsgate Rd and, Chuter Ave, Sans Souci - Dinner at Mikes ($12 specials) then The Cove room FACILITATED BY: Warren & Rhys A social opportunity for adults who want to connect with others who understand them. Come along and meet other adults for social engagements Thanks to Bayside Council, we provide subsidised dinner costs before we move to a private room to relax, chat, play computer games or watch movies. Funded by Bayside Council Venue support provided by Ramsgate RSL Feb 19 | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | May 21 | Jun 18 |
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BLACKTOWN
BLACKTOWN SUPPORT GROUP
When: First Wednesday 10 am to Noon
Venue: Blacktown Workers Club - 55 Campbell St, Blacktown - in the cafe
Facilitator: Briana
6 Feb | 6 Mar | 3 Apr | 1 May | 5 Jun | 3 Jul | 7 Aug | 4 Sep | 2 Oct | 4 Dec
When: First Wednesday 10 am to Noon
Venue: Blacktown Workers Club - 55 Campbell St, Blacktown - in the cafe
Facilitator: Briana
6 Feb | 6 Mar | 3 Apr | 1 May | 5 Jun | 3 Jul | 7 Aug | 4 Sep | 2 Oct | 4 Dec
CAMDEN
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CAMDEN SUPPORT GROUP
When: First Sunday of each month 10am-12pm Venue: Country Club Gledswood Hills (previously called Camden Country Club) - 91 The Hermitage Way, Gledswood Hills, just off Camden Valley Way. Facilitators: Rachael 3 Feb | 3 Mar | 7 Apr | 5 May | 2 Jun | 7 Jul | 4 Aug | 1 Sep | 6 Oct | 3 Nov | 1 Dec |
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN
BANKSTOWN SUPPORT GROUP
When: Third Tuesday 10 am to Noon Venue: Bankstown Sports Club - ask reception for room. Facilitators: Jean Venue kindly provided by Bankstown Sports Club 19 Feb | 19 Mar | 21 May | 18 Jun | 20 Aug | 17 Sep | 15 Oct | 19 Nov | 17 Dec
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Our Thanks to Bankstown Sports Club for providing us with these facilities free of charge. Without their support it would be difficult for us to put on this event.
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BULLY PROOF KIDS 2019
When: Saturdays 9.30 to 10.30 am Venue: Saint John's Anglican Church - 26 Anglo Rd, Campsie (opposite Campsie Centre). Facilitator: Instructor Geo Tailored Taekwondo program designed to help children on the spectrum develop skills, confidence, fitness and ways to stay safer. Popular program being offered in partnership with United Tawkwondo. Students graduate to a yellow belt on completion of program. COST: Thanks to funding provided by Petersham RSL, the program is provided free to ACN registered children on the spectrum. To apply, please complete the online application form by clicking below. Limit 15 students. 27 APR | 4 MAY | 11 MAY | 25 MAY | 1 JUN | 8 JUN | 15 JUN | 22 JUN | 29 JUN | 6 JUL | 13 JUL | 20 JUL | 27 JUL |
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CUMBERLAND
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CUMBERLAND ACTIVE KIDS
WHEN: Meets third Sunday each month with Laser Tag and Ten Pin Bowling on alternate months Parent /carer must remain with child at venue. Siblings welcome Funded by Dooleys Catholic Club |
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Sun 20 Jan | Sun 17 Mar | Sun 19 May | Sun 21 Jul | Sun 15 Sep
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Sun 17 Feb | Sun 21 Apr | Sun 16 Jun | Sun 18 Aug
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GEORGES RIVER
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SPECIAL EVENT: AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
ACN KIDS SCHOOL HOLIDAY BINGO Following Club Rivers popular school holidays Kids Bingo on Dress up as your favourite sci-fi or fantasy character and join us for a Silent Disco. Each child will receive a set of headphones so they can choose one of two music options to dance. When: Wed 17 April 3 to 4 PM Venue: Club Rivers - 32 Littleton St, Riverwood Facilitator: Steve Drakoulis |
SPECIAL EVENT: AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
SILENT DISCO: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Dress up as your favourite sci-fi or fantasy character and join us for a Silent Disco. Each child will receive a set of headphones so they can choose one of two music options to dance. When: SATURDAY 4TH MAY 6 TO 8 PM Venue: Club Rivers - 32 Littleton St, Riverwood Facilitator: Steve Drakoulis |
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HURSTVILLE SUPPORT GROUP
When: Third Thursday 7.30-9.30 pm
Venue: Club Central Hurstville - 214 Park Rd & Cross Street, Hurstville
Facilitator: Sherry and Emi
Mandarin & Cantonese translators provided.
21 Feb | 21 Mar | 18 Apr | 16 May | 20 Jun | 18 Jul | 22 Aug | 19 Sep | 17 Oct | 21 Nov
When: Third Thursday 7.30-9.30 pm
Venue: Club Central Hurstville - 214 Park Rd & Cross Street, Hurstville
Facilitator: Sherry and Emi
Mandarin & Cantonese translators provided.
21 Feb | 21 Mar | 18 Apr | 16 May | 20 Jun | 18 Jul | 22 Aug | 19 Sep | 17 Oct | 21 Nov
RIVERWOOD AUTISM ADULTS SOCIAL CLUB
When: First Tuesday 5.30 to 7.30 pm Venue: Club Rivers - 32 Littleton St, Riverwood Host: Warren & Rhys A social opportunity for adults who want to connect with others who understand them. Venue support by Club Rivers Our Thanks to Club Rivers for providing us with these facilities free of charge. Without their support it would be difficult for us to put on this event. |
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5 Feb | 5 Mar | 2 Apr | 7 May | 4 Jun | 2 Jul | 6 Aug | 3 Sep | 1 Oct | 5 Nov | 3 Dec
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PENSHURST FIT KIDS CLUB
When: Weekly Wednesday 4.15 to 5.30 pm Juniors - 4.15 to 5.15, Seniors (over 14s) 4.30 to 5.30 pm Venue: Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre King Georges & Forest Road, Hurstville Host: Warren and Rosaria We aim to give children with autism an opportunity each school term to participate in a fitness program run by the team at the Hurstville Aquatic Centre. Closed shoes must be worn to participate. Funded by Westfield Hurstville Local Hero grant. Supported by Bluefit who run the program for ACN |
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Jan 30 | Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 | Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 | Apr 3, 10 | May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Jun 5, 12, 19, 26
OATLEY COOKING UP MORE LIFE SKILLS
When: 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 4.30 to 6.30 pm Venue: Oatley Community Centre 161 Hurstville Road, Oatley (Enter via road to Oatley campus,1st electric gate on the left . Buzz to be let in via intercom) Facilitator: Liz Diab Kids learn cooking skills and have fun while their parent or carer can watch them getting right into all the fun. We aim to give as many children an opportunity so new kids will be given priority each month. Funded by: Club Rivers Venue support provided by 3Bridges Community Note: As this is our most popular kids club and spaces are limited to 10 spots each time, please email liz@autismcommunity.org.au if you would like your child to attend. Liz will give priority to different kids each session to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. Feb 2 & 16 |Mar 2 & 16 | Apr 6 | May 4 & 18 | Jun 1 & 15 | Jul 6
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KINGSGROVE KIDS & YOUTH D.I.Y. CLUB
When: 1st Tuesday 4.30 to 6.00 pm Venue: Bunnings warehouse Kingsgrove Facilitator: Liz Diab This is run as a social skills group for children with an ASD and their siblings are also encouraged to attend. Bunnings staff will provide creative opportunities for children who are part of the ACN. Note: Parents or carers must remain on site to supervise their children. Provided by Bunnings Kingsgrove |
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DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED 5 Feb | 5 Mar | 2 Apr | 7 May | 4 Jun | 2 Jul | 6 Aug | 3 Sep | 1 Oct | 5 Nov | 3 Dec
SAILABILITY at KOGARAH BAY
Sailability organisations are “not for profit”, volunteer-based, and through the activity of Sailing enriches the lives of people of all abilities – the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges. ACN hosts a group for our members where we introduce you to the organisers of Sailability who provide the service. TIME: Saturdays on dates below from 10 am VENUE: Dover Park East, Blakehurst FEE: $10 paid to Sailability to cover their costs FACILITATED BY: Mark and Iris |
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January 12 | Feb 2 and 16 | March 9 and 23 | April 6 and 27 | May 18 | June 1 and 15
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KOGARAH YOUTH CLUB
When: First and Third Thursdays 3.00 to 4.00 pm Venue: Kogarah Community Services - 49 English St Kogarah Facilitator: Amie Bateup This is a social group for teens between 13 and 18 years old who have high functioning autism Note: Younger children must remain with parents (seated in an adjoining room enjoying a coffee together) and cannot participate with the group. |
Provided in partnership between Autism Community Network and Kogarah Community Services
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7 & 21 Mar | 4 Apr | 2 & 16 May | 6 & 20 Jun | 4 Jul | 1 & 15 Aug | 5 & 19 Sep | 17 Oct | 7 & 21 Nov | 5 Dec
HAWKESBURY
RICHMOND SUPPORT GROUP
Meets second Wednesday each month during school terms, alternating day and evening meetings
TIME: 10am to noon / 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
VENUE: Richmond Club - 6 E Market St, Richmond
FACILITATED BY: Peta
Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support.
Meets second Wednesday each month during school terms, alternating day and evening meetings
TIME: 10am to noon / 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
VENUE: Richmond Club - 6 E Market St, Richmond
FACILITATED BY: Peta
Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support.
Our Thanks to the Richmond Club for providing us with these facilities free of charge.
13 Mar EVENING | 10 Apr DAY | 8 May EVENING unavailable | 12 Jun DAY | 14 Aug EVENING | 11 Sep DAY | 13 Nov EVENING | 11 Dec DAY
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WINDSOR KIDS CLUB
First Friday of the month TIME: 4.30 to 6 pm VENUE: Deerubin Centre in Windsor in the Sans Stevens Room just down from the Library FACILITATED BY: Peta Local area support funded by Lions Club of Richmond |
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1 Feb | 1 Mar | 5 Apr | 3 May | 7 Jun | 5 Jul | 2 Aug | 6 Sep | 4 Oct | 1 Nov | 6 Dec
HILLS SHIRE
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CASTLE HILL SUPPORT GROUP
Third Friday of the month TIME: 10 am to noon VENUE: Castle Hill RSL - Courtyard Cafe FACILITATED BY: Farah 15 Feb | 15 Mar | 17 May | 21 Jun | 16 Aug | 20 Sep | 18 Oct | 15 Nov |
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HORNSBY
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HORNSBY SUPPORT GROUP - EVENING
When: First Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30 pm Venue: Hornsby RSL Club— in the Sports Lounge — 4 High Street Hornsby Facilitator: Ruth and Rachel |
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5 Feb | 5 Mar | 2 Apr | 7 May | 4 Jun | 2 Jul | 6 Aug | 3 Sep | 1 Oct | 5 Nov | 3 Dec
HORNSBY SUPPORT GROUP - DAY
When: Fourth Thursday 10 am to noon
Venue: Hornsby RSL Club— in the Sports Lounge
— 4 High Street Hornsby
Facilitator: Rachel
28 Feb | 28 Mar | 23 May | 27 Jun | 25 Jul | 22 Aug | 26 Sep | 24 Oct | 28 Nov
When: Fourth Thursday 10 am to noon
Venue: Hornsby RSL Club— in the Sports Lounge
— 4 High Street Hornsby
Facilitator: Rachel
28 Feb | 28 Mar | 23 May | 27 Jun | 25 Jul | 22 Aug | 26 Sep | 24 Oct | 28 Nov
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HORNSBY KIDS BOWLING (INCLUDES LASER TAG AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES)
When: First and Third Sunday Afternoons at 4pm until 6pm Venue: Zone Bowling, 3 Salisbury Rd, Castle Hill Facilitator: Caroline and Rachel Your family is invited to join other families for an afternoon of bowling and/or a game of laser tag. Funded By: Hornsby RSL |
Bring your own socks to wear with the bowling shoes or flat running shoes.
Make sure you book in on the weeks you can attend as numbers are limited to 20 players each week.
Look forward to seeing you all there :)
FIRST WEEK
Start times
Bowling 430 - 530 pm Laser Tag 530 - 630 pm
** PLEASE NOTE Laser tag has been added to the bowling ONLY on the first week of the month as something extra for the families.
THIRD WEEK
On the third week ONLY each month we will celebrate with anyone who is having a birthday this month. If it is your child's birthday (or your own) and they would like to celebrate, you can bring along a cake (store brought is fine) and we will have a party after bowling in the cafe area.
Make sure you book in on the weeks you can attend as numbers are limited to 20 players each week.
Look forward to seeing you all there :)
FIRST WEEK
Start times
Bowling 430 - 530 pm Laser Tag 530 - 630 pm
** PLEASE NOTE Laser tag has been added to the bowling ONLY on the first week of the month as something extra for the families.
THIRD WEEK
On the third week ONLY each month we will celebrate with anyone who is having a birthday this month. If it is your child's birthday (or your own) and they would like to celebrate, you can bring along a cake (store brought is fine) and we will have a party after bowling in the cafe area.
Jan 19 | Feb 3 & 17 | Mar 3 & 17 | Apr 7 & 21 | May 5 & 19 | Jun 2 & 16 |
INNER WEST
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PETERSHAM SUPPORT GROUP
TIME: Third Friday 10.00 am to Noon VENUE: Petersham RSL FACILITATED BY: Veronica Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support. |
15 Feb | 15 Mar | 17 May | 21 Jun | 16 Aug | 20 Sep | 18 Oct | 15 Nov |
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ASHFIELD KIDS YOGA CLUB
When: 10 week program Saturdays 2.00 to 3.00 pm VENUE: St. John's Anglican Church Hall, 64 Bland st, ASHFIELD FACILITATED BY: Ula Llewellyn INSTRUCTOR: Marie Farthing Book in to attend the open day (spots are limited) on Saturday 2 Feb. Regular practice of yoga can have the following benefits: • increased relaxation, • less anxiety/tension, • increased focus/attention, • increased flexibility, • increased self-esteem/belongingness, • better sleep, • improved digestion, • improved self-regulation and body awareness. |
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2 Feb | 9 Feb | 16 Feb | 23 Feb | 2 Mar | 9 Mar | 16 Mar | 30 Mar | 6 Apr | 13 Apr
LAKE MACQUARIE
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LAKE MACQUARIE SUPPORT GROUP
When: Last Saturday 2.00 to 3..30 pm Venue: Toronto Workers Club - 9 James Street, Toronto Facilitators: Jessica and Shelley |
23 Feb | 30 Mar | 27 Apr | 25 May | 29 Jun | 27 Jul | 31 Aug | 28 Sep | 26 Oct | 30 Nov
NORTHERN BEACHES
BROOKVALE SUPPORT GROUP
When: Third Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30 pm Venue: Manly - Warringah Rugby Leagues Club — corner Federal Parade & Pittwater Road Brookvale Facilitator: Kathy Venue support provided by Manly Leagues |
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19 Feb | 19 Mar | 21 May | 18 Jun | 16 Jul | 20 Aug | 17 Sep | 15 Oct | 19 Nov | 17 Dec
PARRAMATTA
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PARRAMATTA ART GROUP
When: First Saturday of the month 2.00 to 4.00 pm Venue: The Den, 42a Ross st Parramatta * see below Facilitator: Cathy This is run as a social skills group for children with an ASD and their siblings are also encouraged to attend. We have painting, drawing and craft activities and a chance for kids to make friends. Funded By: Lions Club of Parramatta Note: While storm repairs are being carried out to our usual venue, The Den, The Holiday Inn are generously providing us with a venue to run this program. Holiday Inn - 18-40 Anderson St, Parramatta |
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2 Feb | 2 Mar | 6 Apr | 4 May | 1 Jun | 6 Jul | 3 Aug | 7 Sep | 5 Oct | 2 Nov | 7 Dec
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PARRAMATTA KIDS COOKING CLUB
When: Second and Fourth Saturday each month 2 to 4 pm Venue: The Den, 42a Ross st Parramatta * see below Facilitator: Belinda Tabbaa Assistant: Binh Cao Kids learn cooking skills and have fun while their parent or carer can watch them getting right into all the fun. We aim to give as many children an opportunity so new kids will be given priority each month. Funded By: Parramatta Club Grants, Lions Club of Parramatta *Note: While storm repairs are being carried out to our usual venue, The Den, The Holiday Inn are generously providing us with a venue to run this program. Holiday Inn - 18-40 Anderson St, Parramatta |
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9 & 23 Feb | 23 Mar | 13 & 27 Apr | 11 & 25 May | 8 & 22 Jun | 13 & 27 Jul | 10 & 24 Aug | 7 & 21 Sep | 12 & 26 Oct | 9 & 23 Nov | 9 Dec
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WENTWORTHVILLE SUPPORT GROUP
When: Second Thursday of month 10am to 12pm Venue: Wentworthville Leagues Club 50 Smith St, Wentworthville Facilitator: Belinda 14 Feb | 14 Mar | 11 Apr | 9 May | 13 Jun | 8 Aug | 12 Sep | 14 Nov | 12 Dec
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RYDE
RYDE SUPPORT GROUP
When: Second Thursday 7.30 to 9.30 pm Venue: Eastwood Rugby Club (John Haynes Room) 146 – 150 Vimiera Road Marsfield Facilitator: Ricardo and Tina Venue support provided by Eastwood District Rugby Union Football Club 14 Feb | 14 Mar | 11 Apr | 9 May | 13 Jun | 11 Jul | 8 Aug | 12 Sep | 10 Oct | 14 Nov | 12 Dec
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SUTHERLAND SHIRE
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CARINGBAH SUPPORT GROUP
When: Third Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30 pm Venue: Tradies Club Caringbah - Level 1, in the bar. 28 - 30 Banksia Road, Caringbah Facilitator: Belinda and Amie An opportunity to meet other carers who understand you. We share experiences and new information. Venue support provided by Tradies Club |
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19 Feb | 19 Mar | 16 Apr | 21 May | 18 Jun | 16 Jul | 20 Aug | 17 Sep | 15 Oct | 19 Nov | 17 Dec
MENAI KIDS CLUB
When: First and Third Wednesdays 4.00 to 5.30 pm Venue: Fun4Kids Unit 4, 778-786 Old Illawara Rd Menai Host: Bianca & Kelly For ACN kids 3 to 13. Funded by: Club Central Menai An opportunity for children with autism and their siblings to participate in a fun play environment in a popular play centre. This is ideal for children with higher needs who may not otherwise have the ability to participate in other more structured ACN programs. Parents must remain on site
Feb 6, 20 | Mar 6, 20 | Apr 3, 17 | May 1, 15 | Jun 5, 19
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ILLAWONG YOUTH CLUB
When: 2nd and 4th Friday 4.30 to 6.00 pm Venue: ACN Head Office - Illawong Community Centre - 273 Fowler Rd Facilitator: Geoff & Rhys This is a social group for teens between 13 and 18 years old who have high functioning autism Note: Younger children must remain with parents (seated in an adjoining room enjoying a coffee together) and cannot participate with the group. |
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8 & 22 Feb | 8 & 22 Mar | 12 & 26 Apr | 10 & 24 May | 14 & 28 Jun | 12 & 26 Jul | 9 & 23 Aug | 13 & 27 Sep | 11 & 25 Oct | 8 & 22 Nov | 13 Dec
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SYLVANIA TEN PIN BOWLING
Meets 4th Sunday each month (Except December & January) TIME: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm VENUE: Southgate Zone - TENPIN BOWLING - 27 Port Hacking Rd Sylvania FACILITATED BY: Liz and Rosaria COST: $6.95 pp for a game tenpin bowling. Companion card is accepted. EACH PAY OWN GAME Come along for some family fun.Enjoy a game with other members from ACN.(all the family can join in) Please book in each person who wishes to bowl,we need to book the lanes prior to session. 24 Feb | 24 Mar | 28 Apr | 26 May | 23 Jun | 28 Jul | 26 Aug | 22 Sep | 27 Oct | 24 Nov
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SYDNEY CITY
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SYDNEY SOCIAL GROUP
When: Second Sunday each month 10.30 am Venue: Meet at prearranged locations within the City of Sydney area. Facilitator: Liz Provided By: City of Sydney RSL Families meet each time to experience a social outing together. Cost: Each pay own expenses Funded by City of Sydeny RSL |
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10 Feb | 10 Mar | 14 Apr | 12 May | 9 Jun
WOLLONGONG
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WOLLONGONG SUPPORT GROUP
Meets First Thursday each month during school terms TIME: 7.30 to 9.30 pm VENUE: Illawarra Leagues Club - 97-99 Church Street, Wollongong FACILITATED BY: Andrew Browne Come along and meet other parents and carers for mutual support. Venue support provided by Illawarra Leagues Club |
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7 Feb | 7 Mar | 4 Apr | 9 May | 6 Jun | 4 Jul | 1 Aug | 5 Sep | 7 Nov | 5 Dec
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OTFORD KIDS CLUB
Meets Weekly Tuesdays TIME: 4.00 to 6.00 pm VENUE: Otford Community Hall - 121 Otford Road, Otford FACILITATED BY: Claudia Walters A club for kids on the spectrum and their siblings to play games, socialise and make friends. Feb 26 | Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 | Apr 2, 9 | |
