THE inspirational work carried out by Camira’s AEIOU Foundation with autism early intervention is about to get even more impressive with construction starting on a new purpose-built centre.
The purpose-built facility will replace AEIOU’s existing Camira centre, which has provided therapy and care in the area since 2012.
The new centre has been funded with $5.9 million investment from the State Government and fundraising efforts from the philanthropic community.
It will feature four classrooms, therapy rooms, motor skills room and an outdoor playground.
The new centre is expected to be completed in mid-2026, with services operating temporarily from AEIOU Nathan during construction.
AEIOU CEO Alan Smith said the new development would transform the delivery of autism-specific early intervention in the region.
“It will make a profound and enduring difference in the lives of autistic children,” Mr Smith said.
“This purpose-built facility will enable us to deliver a world-class program in an environment designed to have the daily capacity to support at least 48 enrolments into the group-based early intervention program.
“Our team has delivered an exceptional service at Camira for many years, but the current building was built in the 1980s, and it simply doesn’t meet the needs of today’s children.”
AEIOU Camira Centre Manager Trudy Brook said the sod-turning was a meaningful milestone for the centre’s staff and families.
“Being here today makes it all feel real,” Mrs Brook said.
“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the old building, which has so much heart and history, but also thrilling to see builders preparing the site for a facility that will allow us to deliver even greater support.”
