Autism Hub and South Brisbane Men’s Shed

2018 FACT Program

In 2018, the South Brisbane Men’s Shed, Fathers of Autistic Children Together (FACT) special interest group in collaboration with the Department of Education Autism Hub will deliver a series of events and activities for fathers and other male family members of children with autism.

The program aims to provide a safe, supportive environment for fathers to connect and learn. It also seeks to build the confidence of fathers of children with autism to be active partners in their child’s schooling and life journeys.  

Highlights of the 2018 FACT Program include:

• ·         BBQ&A sessions – an extension of blokes standing around the backyard BBQ. This series of workshops hosted by the Autism Hub will cover a range of topics relevant for fathers of children with autism. These evening sessions (which include a BBQ dinner of course) will feed the body, mind and soul and build parenting confidence.
• ·         FACT events – opportunity for Dads, kids (including siblings), other male family and  shed members to connect socially at a Brisbane sporting event … group bookings to see the Reds, Broncos and Lions.
• ·         South Brisbane Men’s Shed activities – the opportunity to tap into key shed events throughout the year e.g. early morning golf, dragon boating and BYO workshop project.

Potential Schedule

Month	Activity	Responsibilities
February
March	FACT Event – Queensland Reds Game Vs Brumbies Friday 2 March OR Vs Bulls Saturday 10 March	FACT coordinate SBMS - support
March	BBQ&A – ‘Autism - you can’t ask that’ (coinciding with Autism Awareness Month)	AH – Presentation Fact – Co-host SBMS - BBQ
May	FACT Event – Brisbane Broncos Game Vs Bulldogs Thursday 3 May OR Vs Eels Thursday 24 May	FACT coordinate SBMS - support
June	BBQ&A – Family Wellbeing - ‘Put on you oxygen masks – starting with your own’ (coinciding with Men’s Health Week)	AH – Presentation Fact – Co-host SBMS - BBQ
July	FACT Event – Brisbane Lions Game Vs Carlton Saturday 7 July (day) OR Vs Adelaide Saturday 21 July (evening)	FACT coordinate SBMS - support
August	BBQ&A – Connecting with your child with autism	AH – Presentation Fact – Co-host SBMS - BBQ
September
October	BBQ&A – Positive behaviour support (including Online FBA Tool)	AH – Presentation Fact – Co-host SBMS - BBQ
November
December

In addition to the 2018 FACT Program, fathers can connect with Scott and Paul (FACT Coordinators), seek advice and support from the Autism Hub and join the South Brisbane Men’s Shed and participate in a range of shed activities.