NSW Premier Chris Minns attends the Austim Community Network gala that raised more than $60,000 for autism care. Picture supplied

The Autism Community Network (ACN) is celebrating a season of achievement, capped off by its highly successful 2026 gala.

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The event brought together more than 300 guests and raised more than $60,000 to fund vital community programs, building on the momentum of an earlier challenge where more than 40 climbers braved extreme conditions to summit Mount Kosciuszko.

ACN parents shared their personal experiences. One mother moved the room to tears as she described the immense difficulty of simply leaving the house, explaining that every journey out the door with her autistic children requires exhaustive pre-planning, contingency strategies, and constant high alert. She credited ACN with opening new opportunities for her family and providing a critical lifeline of support.

The funds raised during the gala will benefit ACN's diverse initiatives, including peer-to-peer carer support groups, autistic adult social clubs, and family days. These programs are designed to create safe, supportive spaces for families navigating the challenges of autism. ACN provides free information, advocacy, and crisis support, notably assisting on the ground when autistic individuals go missing.

ACN acknowledged NSW Premier and event guest Chris Minns for his consistent attendance and continuing commitment to fostering inclusion within the autism community.

The night's success was also propelled by key sponsors, including Platinum sponsors Insightful Impact and Club Rivers, Gold sponsor My Care Hub, and Silver sponsors Benevolent Society Carer Gateway and Georges River Council.

ACN chief executive Vanessa Gauci said the true value of the event extended far beyond the financial triumph. "What made the evening truly special was not just the funds raised, but the sense of unity and belonging," she said.