St. George Business Chamber Announces Strategic Partnership with Autism Community Network (ACN)

The St. George Business Chamber is proud to announce a significant strategic partnership with Autism Community Network (ACN) aimed at fostering inclusivity and promoting community engagement between ACN and the St George Business Community. This partnership underscores the Chamber’s commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion within the St. George business community and facilitating collaboration as part of its recently launched ‘4 PILLARS’ strategy.

The collaboration between the St. George Business Chamber and Autism Community Network is designed to create meaningful opportunities for raising awareness on the autism spectrum while simultaneously benefiting local businesses in the St. George region. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to facilitate a more inclusive workforce and business environment that harnesses the unique talents and perspectives of individuals with autism as well presenting awareness workshops and holding a Gala dinner in April 2024 to raise much needed funds to support ACN’s great community projects.

Tony Baddour, President of the St. George Business Chamber, expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic alliance, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Autism Community Network. As a business chamber, we believe that fostering inclusivity is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic advantage for our local businesses. We look forward to working closely with ACN to create a more inclusive and diverse business community in the St. George area.”

Autism Community Network Australia (ACN) is a leading organisation in Australia dedicated to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. ACN provides vital resources, support, and educational initiatives to promote a better understanding of autism within the community.

“It is wonderful to see St George Business Chamber bringing business and community together,” said Vanessa Gauci, ACN CEO.

“Working closely with the Chamber, we look forward to providing increased opportunities, delivering innovative programs, as well as growing our peer to peer supports for autistic individuals and their families,” Vanessa Gauci continued.

This partnership will see both organisations collaborating on a range of initiatives, including:

  1. Inclusive Hiring Programs: Supporting local businesses in hiring individuals with autism and providing training and resources to ensure a welcoming workplace.
  2. Community Education: Organising workshops and seminars to raise awareness about autism, dispel misconceptions, and promote inclusivity within the St. George community.
  3. Networking Events: Hosting events that bring together business leaders, professionals, and individuals on the autism spectrum to foster connections and create opportunities for collaboration.

Through these initiatives, the St. George Business Chamber and Autism Community Network aim to create a more inclusive and vibrant business community that leverages the talents and strengths of all its members.

ACN Chairperson Frances Wade is looking forward to the journey ahead, stating, “It is not often you find someone who has the same drive, passion and ethics which align exactly with your organisation. Tony and Vanessa both have this, so I am very excited to see where this partnership takes ACN and more importantly, the benefits it will have on our community.

For more information about this partnership or to get involved in upcoming initiatives, please contact:

Tony Baddour, President St George Business Chamber  tbaddour@sircel.com

Vanessa Gauci, CEO Autism Community Network vanessa.gauci@acnaustralia.org.au 0421 462 842

About St. George Business Chamber: The St. George Business Chamber is a vibrant community of local businesses and professionals dedicated to promoting economic growth, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering collaboration within the St. George region. The Chamber offers a wide range of resources, events, and networking opportunities to help businesses thrive.

About Autism Community Network: Autism Community Network (ACN) is a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. ACN provides support, education, and advocacy to promote inclusivity and understanding of autism within the community.

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