Library wins award for Autism Lab
The Bega Valley Shire Library Service has won a state award for its involvement in hosting after school workshops for young people with high functioning Autism.
Thursday 24 November 2016 
The Bega Valley Shire Library Service has won a state award for its involvement in hosting after school workshops for young people with high functioning Autism.
The NSW Public Libraries Association award recognises Council’s involvement in facilitating a valuable program that has gone on to be a self-sufficient community run asset.
Programs and Partnerships Officer, Scott Baker said the Bega Valley Autism Lab was started in partnership with local resident Monika Ryan, who saw a similar model in Melbourne. The purpose of The Lab is to offer an engaging, technology-focused environment for young people with Autism.
“We found that using the common theme of technology really helped to develop social and communication skills,” he said.
“While it is fantastic to receive this award, the real bonus for us is to see the much needed after school club being so popular in the community.
“The Lab has grown to the point where it has secured a permanent venue, and was recently granted funding to pay professional mentors. The Library sees it as an extremely valuable program and continues its support through administration, technical advice and equipment.
“This after-school club can help young people connect with each other through shared technology interests.
“Technology interests may include gaming, creating games, coding, computer programming and design or online media,” Mr Baker said.
Bega Valley Shire Library Service Coordinator, Cassandra Margules said the Lab was proving itself as a much needed service for local young people.
“The results have been impressive with many of the children showing improvements in communication and socialising skills, but also furthering their interest and knowledge of technology,” she said.
For more information on The Lab call Bega Library on 6499 2127.
Photograph: The award certificate presented to the Bega Valley Shire Library Service.
END
Making an enquiry
All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.
To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:
- email media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
- call 02 6499 2222
Councillors
Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.
Receiving information
If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.
You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook and Instagram.
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332
Was this helpful?