The quest to find a learning, training and respite facility for people with autism in Port Stephens has almost totally consumed the lives of Nelson Bay parents Les and Judy Merrett.
In 2010 the couple, whose 15-year-old son Dylan has autism, established the charity Autism Action with an aim to assist Port Stephens families impacted by autism and other intellectual disabilities.
“The charity has been in recess due to a lack of committee numbers. It aims to provide resources such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, respite accommodation and life skills for children on the autism spectrum,” he said.
Mr Merrett, who operates Nelson Bay Breeze and the resort’s Mexican restaurant, said they were in need of new committee members to re-establish the charity and begin fundraising events.
There are two annual general meetings scheduled for Thursday, September 20 at the Bay Breeze resort from 11am and 7pm.