Macedon Ranges Blue

Macedon Ranges Blue is the local autism awareness campaign, part of the national, Autism Speaks Light it up Blue initiative. See article, Light on autism awareness (Guardian, 28/03/13), for more information.
Local Events during Autism Awareness Month:

April 2 
World Autism day 
Landmarks will be lit up blue 
Romsey - tree, fountain and shops
Woodend- clock tower Gisborne- fountain
Lancefield - businesses and shops

April 1 - 7
Blue autism awareness displays
Visual displays and information in business windows in Romsey 

April 4
Fundraising dinner for Playconnect autism spectrum disorder playgroup 
Sicilian Vespers Restaurant, Main Road, Romsey
Tino Fichera, 5429 3909

April 6
* Barbecue at Romsey Skate Park 
Short walk and balloon release
Kids activities
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
12 - 2.30pm
* Lions Club visit with Righteous pup (autism spectrum disorder trained companion dog)
Romsey Lions Reserve/Romsey Skate Park 
* Romsey Football Club 
Blue practice match players run through blue banner and wear blue arm bands

Each Friday
* Playconnect, ASD playgroup for children from diagnoses to school (2-6 years) 
Romsey Community Hub 
* All Abilities kids health and fitness programs
Kids come and try day
Romsey Community Stadium
Mel Traynor, 0430 370 361

April 10
Macedon Ranges support group 
Morning tea 
Ethic Cafe, Woodend
Fiona Le Nepveu, 5421 1693

April 20
Pie eating competition
Fundraiser for the Macedon Ranges Autism Specturn Disorder Support Group 
Giveaways and prizes
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
10.30am 
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 24
Macedon Ranges support group lunch 
Country Cob Bakery, Mollison Street, Kyneton 
12.30pm
Kate Neale, 0427 226 645

April 22
Question and answer session
Professor Tonge
Autism and adolescence
For parents, school staff, youth workers
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Supper provided
Cobaw 5421 1680

April 29
May 6
May 13
Autism spectrum disorder in preschool years
Three professional development sessions for kinder and childcare staff
Cobaw Community Health Woodend, 47 Forest Street 
6 - 8pm
Fiona Le Nepveu 5421 1693

Month of April 
* Primary and secondary schools awareness activities
Cobaw staff will provide talks to schools in Macedon Ranges
* Macedon Ranges schools get on board to fundraise and raise awareness and acceptance of difference
Blue activities
For Amaze (Autism Victoria)
* Amaze will offer the Supporting Differences program to schools in the Macedon Ranges
To raise awareness of differences in the classroom and understanding students with an autism spectrum disorder

End of April 
Raffle drawn 
Fundraiser for Macedon Ranges Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group


For more information on these events, please contact Macedon Ranges Blue organiser, Shantelle Grant on 0411 444 447.