Club Rivers Reaches New Heights for Autism Acceptance

For many families, autism is a journey filled with challenges, resilience and quiet victories that often go unseen. Our team wanted to make those stories impossible to ignore — so we decided to take on a mountain.

On Saturday, 11 April, Club Rivers partnered with the Autism Community Network (ACN) to climb Mount Kosciuszko — the highest peak in Australia — in support of autism awareness and acceptance. 

Despite extreme weather conditions — including snow, rain and winds reaching 70 km/h — the group ascended to 2228 metres, where temperatures dropped as low as -15°C.

Staff from across the Club took part in the challenge, including CEO Paul Millar and Club President Michael Free, along with duty managers, floor staff and administrative personnel.

Vanessa Gauci, CEO of ACN, says her leadership is deeply shaped by her experience as the mother of an autistic individual. She describes ACN as a place of belonging, where she and others can share fears openly and speak without judgment. 

Gauci emphasises her commitment to fostering a supportive environment in which members uplift one another with understanding and care, calling the organisation “a lifeline — a network of love and support".

The inspiration behind ACN’s annual Mount Kosciuszko climb is rooted in raising awareness, acceptance and understanding of autism. 

The event symbolises both the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families, and the achievements possible with the right support. 

While the journey can be demanding and, at times, feel far from the goal, reaching the summit represents a strong sense of accomplishment. 

Gauci says the climb holds deep meaning for the autism community.

“It’s going to be challenging — but what our parents, carers and autistic individuals go through every day is nothing compared to what we’ll experience today,” she says.

This year’s theme, Elevate Acceptance, drew on the powerful symbolism of Mount Kosciuszko to highlight the uphill journey many autistic individuals face in accessing basic support and inclusion. 

The metaphor reflects the daily challenges experienced across the community, while also underlining the importance of collective effort in driving change.

Funds raised through the event, along with increased public awareness, will directly support the ongoing work of ACN, helping the organisation continue its mission of fostering connection and providing essential support for the autistic community. 

This year, Club Rivers has raised over $10,000 in support of ACN and their mission.

It marks Club Rivers’ second year taking on the challenge, building on more than a decade of community support, alongside ACN.