Miles Government donates $100K to Townsville centre hit by arson

• AEIOU Foundation’s Townsville Centre, destroyed by fire, to receive $100,000 Miles Government donation
• Centre provides specialist education and care for children living with autism
• Donation will go to the centre’s appeal, raising funds for critical equipment lost in the blaze

The AEIOU Foundation’s Townsville Centre, which was destroyed by a fire, will receive a $100,000 donation from the Miles Government, to replace equipment used to deliver critical autism-specific early intervention therapy.

The centre provides specialist education and care to more than a dozen Townsville children living with autism.

It has temporarily relocated its services to a neighbouring childcare centre following an arson attack in March 2024, which burnt its facilities to the ground.

The not-for-profit AEIOU centre is running a community appeal to raise the crucial funding needed to replace the resources and equipment lost in the fire – the result of an arson attack.

A minimum of $400,000 in donations will enable the centre to continue providing their quality evidence-based support in a new facility, currently under construction, to children living with autism local to Townsville and their families.

For more information and to donate visit – aeiou.org.au

Quotes attributable to the Premier:

“The arson attack on the AEIOU Townsville Centre was devastating for this community, the staff and all the little ones who come here to get the best start in life.

“Locals have rallied to help get this centre back up and running, with all the critical tools and programs it needs, and I want to help push this campaign along.

“I am doing what matters for Queenslanders - and Queensland kids.

“Every little bit counts and I can’t wait to get back here to visit the centre when it’s back up and running.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen:

“The AEIOU Foundation’s Townsville Centre has supported hundreds of Townsville families for more than 15 years.

“This Miles Government donation is the best way we can give back to an invaluable organisation which has done so much to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

Quotes attributable to MP for Mundingburra Les Walker:

"AEIOU provides amazing educational service for our young people. 

"I know that everyone needs a good education that will set them up for life. A life full of opportunity."

Quotes attributable to MP for Townsville Scott Stewart:

"The AEIOU Foundation in Townsville has does such important work in supporting children with autism and their families.

"The donation from the Miles Government will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet after the fire."

Quotes attributable to MP for Thuringowa Aaron Harper:

“People in Townsville know what an important service the AEIOU Foundation provides which is why our community was left devastated when the centre was destroyed by fire earlier this year.

“Since then, the community has come together to raise much needed funds to get the centre back up in running.

“I’m so pleased that the Miles Labor Government is chipping in $100,000, which I know will go a long way in supporting the centre.”

Quotes attributable to AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith:

"I express our sincere gratitude to the Queensland Government for this generous funding to aid in the recovery of our Townsville centre following the devastating fire in March.

“The Queensland Government's longstanding commitment to the autism community and investment in early intervention for children is truly commendable and vital for the future of essential programs like the ones delivered by AEIOU Foundation.”

ENDS