CAIRNS' building industry has thrown its support behind a $300,000 autism learning centre, committing $250,000 in materials and labour, despite the tough economic times.
But the campaign is $50,000 short and needs the public's help to complete new classrooms at the city's only autism school, at Edmonton.
More than 100 businesses, contractors and suppliers have supported the Cairns Helps Kids with Autism Campaign being launched today.
The school, in the former Hambledon State Pre-School in Marr St, has 32 children but with the new classrooms, two new offices and amenities it will be able to double its capacity.
Spearheading the project is builder Karl Maxa and his wife, Felicity, of Maxa Constructions, whose four-year-old son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism two years ago.
Mr Maxa said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had received from the industry since starting the campaign in September.
"I'm astounded. I am amazed at the generosity of the contractors and suppliers and how willing they are to donate their time and services to a good cause," he said.
"Their response has been, let's do it for the kids'."
Mr Maxa said he and his wife felt they had to do more for other families and children with autism after seeing first hand the positive effect early intervention services had on Ben.
Autism Queensland offers the only autism-specific intervention service in Cairns, including early intervention, outreach, education and therapy.
AQ provides a range of services to 32 children with autism under school age across the Far North.
Team leader Paula Burnett said there was a waiting list of 11 and 14 expressions ofinterest by parents wanting to send their children to the centre, which has been operating in Cairns for two years, the last year atEdmonton.
Mr Maxa said work on the new building would start on November 1 with the aim of finishing by Christmas for the start of the new school year.
He said teams of tradesmen would work on site Monday to Saturday.
Donations to the Cairns Helps Kids with Autism Campaign can made on www.autismqld.com.au through the Cairns Helps Kids with Autism Campaign link or post to Autism Queensland at PO Box 354, Sunnybank, Qld 4109. For further info, contact Karl Maxa on 0417 479 747, Felicity Maxa on 0408 603 085 or fundraising manager Paula Davidson on 3273 0000.
