COMMUNITY eNEWSLETTER
JUNE 2025
Supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum across Sydney and Melbourne.
Check out our latest video to see why your help is so important.
PLEASE DONATE THIS EOFY
To create the space we need to grow, we’ve made significant capital investments in Sydney and Melbourne. But with a funding shortfall of over $8.3 million this year, we urgently need your support.
Now, more than ever, your generosity can help us welcome more families, expand vital services, establish overnight respite and bring our new Elanora Heights site and Melbourne school building to life.
If you’re able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30. Your support means the world to us.
EVERY DAY FELT LIKE A BATTLE
Alex was an easy baby but at about 10-12 months old we started noticing something wasn’t quite right. He wasn’t meeting developmental milestones as his older brother Adam did. He didn’t respond to his name, had poor eye contact and wasn’t pointing or babbling. As the months went by, Alex struggled more and more.
As a toddler Alex wasn’t interested in social interactions with his family or with other children. He was happy to just wander around playing on his own. As he got a little older, the sensory seeking and repetitive behaviours became more apparent, he wasn’t saying any words or understanding anything when spoken to.
At 20 months old we reached out to our local health clinic to start the diagnostic process.
I remember the difficulties of navigating different services and therapies, feeling alone and without much guidance. I would search social media groups and local playgrounds looking for families I could relate to.
Alex was diagnosed at 3 years old; we were devastated, but we also felt a sense of relief to finally have it confirmed. Typical daycare centres couldn’t cater to his needs, his behaviours were becoming a safety concern, and we were desperate for help. Everyday felt like a battle, fighting to be heard and to get Alex what he needed and deserved. The desperation we felt for inclusion for our boy was immense.
At the same time, we were also having concerns about our youngest child Jamie. He too wasn’t meeting milestones and ticked all the boxes for an autism diagnosis. Jamie struggled a lot as a baby and toddler; he was always distressed and unable to find comfort.
The journey of diagnosis and therapies was a little easier with Jamie as we already had firsthand experience, he was diagnosed at 2.5 years old.
Alex started at Giant Steps in the Early Years Program in 2024 and is now in Primary School.
Jamie started in the Early Years Program this year.
Alex is our sweet natured loving boy, full of energy and creativity. He’s always on the move and keeping us on our toes. We are so proud of all his achievements no matter how big or small.
Jamie is our little cuddle monster, he is fierce and knows what he wants, his smile and giggles can brighten anyone’s day.
Since coming to Giant Steps, we have finally found what we were looking for; community, friendships and most importantly a place where Alex and Jamie thrive and belong. We are no longer desperate for help.
Each morning upon arrival at Giant Steps we are greeted by the smiling faces of a team of people who genuinely care for our children – there is no better feeling.
Alex and Jamie’s learning and development at Giant Steps is tailored to their needs and interests. They are motivated and eager to go to school each day. Their days are filled with wonderful lessons and therapies including speech, music and occupational therapy, art class, cooking, gardening, excursions and much more!
Our family’s struggle isn’t over, but it’s a whole lot easier because of Giant Steps and we are forever grateful.
Angela Crespin
IMPACT CAN TAKE MANY FORMS
It can be found in something as simple as a small act of kindness—an encouraging word, a moment of understanding, or a helping hand when it’s most needed. These seemingly small gestures often have a profound effect, helping someone through a difficult day or a challenging moment. Kindness creates impact, and that impact ripples outward in ways we may never fully see.
How we measure kindness and impact varies greatly. For some, it’s marked by clear milestones—an outstanding achievement, a job well done, or the ability to uplift others. But for many, impact is deeply personal. It lives in the quiet victories and the unseen efforts that make a lasting difference.
At Giant Steps, making a difference is at the heart of everything we do. And the impact we see stretches far beyond any one student—it touches siblings, parents, extended families, and entire communities. The stories families share when they arrive at Giant Steps are often filled with pain, stories of rejection, fear, isolation, and a profound lack of understanding. But they are also stories of hope—because they’ve found a place that sees, understands, and embraces their child with care, expertise, and heart.
We welcome children and young adults with complex needs—many of whom arrive having been turned away elsewhere. Some cannot speak, others live with severe anxiety or behavioural and sensory challenges. What we offer is not only education but understanding. We look beyond the individual to support the whole family, recognizing the many layers of impact they carry.
From the very first meeting, we let parents know they are not alone. They are joining a community built on deep professional expertise—from music, speech, and occupational therapists to teachers and educational support staff. But even more than that, they are joining a family. A family of other parents who’ve walked this road, of supporters who believe in our mission, and of staff who celebrate every step forward—no matter how small.
One of the hardest things we do is ask for help. Even when we know people care and want to make a difference, it’s never easy. That’s why it means so much when help is simply offered—when someone reads a story, makes a donation, or shares their time or skills. Those acts of kindness fuel everything we do.
Because of your support, Giant Steps continues to grow. We continue to walk alongside our students as they build independence, gain life and vocational skills, and become active, valued members of their communities. Each one of those achievements—each Giant Step—is made possible by you.
And for that, we are endlessly grateful.
Barry Irvin AM, Chairman
BY AGE TWO THERE WAS SILENCE
Discovering we were having twins was one of the best moments of our lives. We were overjoyed, imagining our perfect little bundles of joy—two precious, beautiful babies. Alexander and Amelia were everything we had dreamed of. Watching them grow has been an incredible journey, even though it was one we didn’t quite expect.
By the time Alexander was 18 months old, he was already showing remarkable abilities. He could repeat words, say “Mum” and “Dad,” point to objects, count, and recite the alphabet. He even had a knack for spinning coasters on the floor—sometimes as many as six at once—and would try to spin pot lids too. We thought he was a genius, especially when comparing him to his sister, who wasn’t doing these things. But then, things began to change. He started waking up for hours in the middle of the night, stopped responding to his name, preferred to spend more time alone, and by the time he turned two, he went silent—as if he’d forgotten everything. We were lost, unsure of what was happening. Despite the paediatricians’ reassurance to “give him time”, we knew something wasn’t right.
It was while watching a reality TV show we had our first real clue. One of the cast members was tearfully describing her child’s autism diagnosis, listing all the symptoms, and suddenly it clicked—this was Alexander.
Throughout this journey, we’ve met so many amazing parents and built beautiful connections. One mum suggested we look at Giant Steps Melbourne, praising the school’s excellence. Although Kew was an hour’s drive from home, we decided it was worth a try and put our name on the waitlist. Soon enough, we were accepted.
Now in our fourth year at Giant Steps Melbourne, Alexander is thriving. His first year was fantastic—he adored his teacher—and every year since he has been happy and engaged. The team at Giant Steps has shown us tremendous love, support, and guidance. They work with Alexander daily, teaching him social skills, supporting his communication needs with his AAC device, and providing opportunities for adventure club, school camp, and peer interactions. The feedback from his teachers has been positive.
Giant Steps is not only helping Alexander improve his communication and comprehension skills, but they’re also nurturing his ability to engage in social interactions and form meaningful relationships with his peers. They’ve provided strategies to manage his anger and frustration, improving his self-regulation skills so he can better cope with overwhelming emotions.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a wonderful school and a team that genuinely cares for Alexander and all the kids at Giant Steps, each with their unique needs and challenges. Seeing the children leave the school gates every day with smiles on their faces reminds us how lucky we are to have this incredible community supporting our children.
Giant Steps offers unparalleled love, care, and support, creating individualised educational programs tailored to each student. They are setting the standard for what special schools in Australia should be. This school has been a lifesaver, and we are so proud to be part of this amazing organisation.
Despite the challenges, there are so many beautiful moments to cherish. Sometimes, we don’t realize just how different our family life is from the norm—you simply keep going. Knowing that we have the Giant Steps team and other families on this journey with us makes it all just a little bit easier.
Diana Josevska
COMMUNITY AT ITS BEST
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “community” as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It also speaks to a deeper connection, a sense of belonging, of being part of something greater than oneself. At Giant Steps, community is not just a word; it’s the very essence of who we are. It’s the heartbeat of our organisation. Quite truthfully, Giant Steps wouldn’t be the place it is today without the strength, generosity, and spirit of our community.
This year has been a time of incredible growth and renewal in Melbourne. The opening of our new building has marked a significant milestone, allowing us to welcome new students and families, and to expand our dedicated team. But more than just bricks and mortar, this new space has become an opportunity, an invitation for our community to return, reconnect, and re-engage. The presence of families, friends, and supporters within our walls has reminded us just how much we missed the richness of these connections during the construction period.
In just one semester, the reach and impact of our community have been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve hosted numerous prospective family tours and presentations to potential donors and charity organisations. Our special Friends of Giant Steps Group now holds their meetings in Peppercorn Hall, which is also used by our neighbours in the Kew Hebrew Congregation. We’ve facilitated Parent Information Sessions, IP meetings, and Mental Health Clinics. Through The Autism Hub, we’ve also delivered professional learning to external professionals, extending our impact.
But community at Giant Steps is not confined to formal events or scheduled programs. It lives in the everyday moments, the parents and friends who volunteer their time to tidy and maintain our grounds, the Threads group who craft story sacks for our literacy program, sew bean bag covers, and create exquisite costumes for our Primary Dance Performance. It’s in the students from other schools and universities who join us for work experience and social awareness programs, and in the regular visits from our friends in adult services, enriching their personal development through connection.
Our community partnerships are another powerful thread in our tapestry. Organisations like C Care, All Things Equal, Pitcher Partners and Toyota provide meaningful work experience opportunities, participate in working bees and corporate volunteer days, raise funds through events like the Rialto Run Up, and offer generous donations. Their commitment helps us grow and thrive.
Volunteers play a vital role in our programs and events. From supporting Adventure Club to organising our library, sourcing new books, and sparking curiosity in our students, their contributions are felt deeply and widely. And perhaps most profoundly, community is built and sustained by our families. They share stories, offer support, exchange resources, and collaborate on fundraising initiatives that help meet the needs of our organisation year after year. Their dedication is unwavering.
Community is the key ingredient in the Giant Steps story. It is the many threads, woven together, that create the rich, vibrant tapestry of who we are. To you, our community: thank you. Your support, your presence, and your belief in our mission make all the difference.
Davina Bate, Principal, Giant Steps Melbourne
FUNDRAISERS
Our recent Celebrating 30 Years Gala Ball was an unforgettable evening that exceeded our expectations in every possible way! From the record number of guests attending, to this year’s record breaking profit, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made it such a special occasion. You can view our short highlights video here.
We’d also like to thank all our participants and supporters across Sydney and Melbourne who contributed to the success of the Rialto Run Up and our Drag Bingo fundraising events. Thank you for helping us raise much needed funds.
Celebrating 30 Years Annual Gala Ball – Sydney
Held on Saturday 14 June, International Convention Centre
Gold Sponsors: Quay Business Services, Goldman Sachs Gives
Silver Sponsors: Addisons, Australian Vintage, Bega Group, Brown Wright Stein Lawyers, Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Harris Page & Associates, Chalouhi, Aera, Thriveability Care, Rabobank, Tumbleturn Marketing Advisory, Tribecca Car Rentals
Event Sponsors: Mayo Hardware, Ryobi, ICC, Glassbreakers, CactusCan,
Rialto Run Up – Melbourne
Held on Sunday 18 May, Rialto
Gold Sponsors: Adapt Wealth Management, Rialto, Count Charitable Foundation
Silver Sponsors: Capitol, A.G.Coombs
Bronze Sponsors: Ausnviro, Commrity, Skyrise Electrical, TSA Riley, Minds at Play, Honeywell, Knight Frank
Sydney
Tower One Stair Challenge
Sunday 3 August
City2Surf
Sunday 10 August
RnB & Dance Party
Saturday 16 August
Bollywood Night
Saturday 6 September
Spring High Tea
Saturday 20 September
Greek Night
Friday 24 October
Melbourne
Run Melbourne
Sunday 13 July
Trivia Night
Saturday 26 July
Giant Dinner
Saturday 9 August
Giant Steps Melbourne Ball
Saturday 30 August
SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Get pumped for an epic adventure up Tower One! With 1000 giant steps, 40 floors, and 217 meters of height, it’s going to be another great climb!
Join us on Sunday, 3 August, and be part of this exciting challenge.
Register as a team, an individual or multi-climber. Run, walk or crawl – every step counts!
Whether you’re aiming for fitness, charity, or just pure fun, we can’t wait to celebrate your victory at the top.
For more information click here.
A NIGHT IN PARIS
Join us for a black-tie Gala Ball along Melbourne’s shimmering riverbank on Saturday, August 30th.
Tickets: $280 per person or $2,800 for a table of 10.
Venue: Zinc at Fed Square, Cnr Princes Walk & Russell St Ext, Melbourne.
To purchase tickets click here.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Louise Ward.
We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you!
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Giant Steps Australia is a registered charity and donations are tax deductible.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT