Media Release – 8 May 2023
Magic was in the air on the weekend of 28 and 29th April, during the Spectrum Spectacular festival hosted by Coffs Coast Autism, Key Employment and DFM Financial Group.
Celebrity Guest Michael Theo (TV Show Love on the Spectrum) was guest speaker at the Key Gala Ball, with Autistic Singer Songwriter Aspy Jones getting the 240 strong crowd up and dancing all night. The weekend included educational workshops sponsored by DFM Financial Group, catering to Parents, Carers, Educators and Allied Health Professionals.
The weekend festival had a huge emphasis on showcasing inclusive event planning, and included a ‘Sensory Wonderland’ put together by Sprinkle and Play and HooRai Balloons that comprised a chill out area, sensory stimulating activities, and even a foot pool of gel beads for people to enjoy.
“Inclusion isn’t hard; its wonderful”, said Coffs Coast Autism’s Laura Daley. “Coffs Coast Autism is passionate about making sure its young people are thriving in their everyday lives, without having to leave the Mid North Coast. We planned the Spectrum Spectacular to fundraise $25,000 to open a Coffs Harbour Campus of Bus Stop Films; an award- winning, inclusive film school for people with disabilities. I’m pleased to say we smashed this target, and also had a fantastic weekend of learning, connection, fun, and our autistic young people are more inspired than ever to reach for their goals’.
The Gala Ball was Gold sponsored by Key (formerly known as Key Employment) who have been a provider of disability services across the Mid North Coast for over 30 years. “Key provides more to our disability community than just employment,” says CEO Jodi Wood. Key offers a range of NDIS programs that span capacity building in a fun environment, the Youth Hub, through to clinical support, disability employment services, RTO services and a soon to be open onsite café.
“We are local, we are family run, and community is at the heart of absolutely everything we do”.
While adults enjoyed the Gala Ball, all ages were catered for across the weekend. A family friend disco sponsored by DFM Financial Group provided little people with fun, games and dancing. Youth and Young adults were treated to a Spectacular Panel Chat with Youth Mentors with disabilities; sharing their stories of how they overcome past challenges to chase down their dreams.
“We are so excited to support Coffs Coast Autism in their efforts to encourage young people to reach for the stars. At DFM Financial Group, we support many families who live with disability through NDIS plan management, and this has been a wonderful chance to give back to that community.” said Chris Kirkaldy from DFM Financial Group. “It was especially nice to see local mentors Sam Mowat, Dr Verne Dove and Riley Saban were big crowd favourites, of course with Michael Theo and Aspy Jones!’
“We can’t thank our sponsors and supporters enough”, said Laura Daley of Coffs Coast Autism. ”We honestly have been overwhelmed with support, from our Gold Sponsors, Key, DFM Financial Group, our Silver Sponsors, the Chrysalis Group, CEX Club Grants and Blue Sky Community Services, and Department of Regional NSW and our Bronze Sponsors All About COS 123, Mid Coast Family Day Care Service, and Pivotal Support Coordination. But along with sponsors, we’ve had donations to our raffle, people have donated their time, and the Coffs community have dug deep to buy tickets to our event.
Images thanks to WearForArt Photography
