Coffs Coast Peer Activity Group for teenagers living with ASD/Autism

21/09/2025

Hi All,

Our group of teens will be meeting at the outdoor basketball courts at Key Community Group this coming Wednesday afternoon at 4.30pm to shoot some hoops, have a good goof around, and experience social connection with peers. (Weather permitting!)

The forecast is for a sunny day with a high of 22° - 23°, so bring a basketball or netball if you have one, and don't forget your waterbottle.

We hope to see you there!

17/09/2025

Hey All,

This afternoon, sadly, there were only 2 teens able to join me for the peer activity group.

I am not yet able to confirm what next Wednesday's activity will be, but as soon as I am able to I will post the details here.

I started this free group in order to facilitate peer connections between 14 to 17 year olds in our community which would hopefully lead to ongoing friendships and continuing opportunities to socialise in a safe environment. Something which has been VERY sadly lacking in the Coffs Harbour area.

I am not able to continue doing this as an unpaid weekly event due to both personal and professional obligations.

Next Wednesday, September 24th will be my last time facilitating these meet ups.

If anyone has the capacity to take over the role of facilitator/organiser of the weekly activities in either a voluntary or paid (group social and recreational participation) capacity, I will be happy to hand over the administration of this page to them and provide them with any information and/or guidance I am able to. (If this sounds like you, please PM me at your earliest convenience.)

Please spread the word so that next week will be our biggest and best meet up yet!

17/09/2025

Is anyone coming today?

I have been at the table at the western end of the carpark since 4.20pm, but no teens as yet.
I will wait until 4.50pm but if no one is here by then, I will head home.

14/09/2025

This Wednesday 17th September our group of 14 - 17-year-olds will be meeting at the western end of the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary carpark (formerly known as the Pet Porpoise Pool and Dolphin Marine Magic) in Orlando Street.

We'll be taking a walk, skateboard, scooter, skate along the Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway down past the Promenade and back again.

Please bring a drink along with you as Wednesday will be quite warm with an expected maximum temperature of 27°.

14/09/2025

Please be aware that as per the page description, this group is for 14 - 17 year olds only.

I am receiving messages asking about 10, 11, and 12 year olds attending and I am sorry, but this group does not cater to young people under the age of 14, for multiple reasons.

If there are any disability support organisations or experienced support workers willing to start up a similar weekly or fortnightly group for younger ones, perhaps 10 - 13 year olds, please go ahead.

This is a HUGE gap in the Disability sector in Coffs Harbour and surrounds and has the potential to be a successful, formalised activity group whereby participants NDIS plans are invoiced at the group rate.

I just don't have the time or the capacity to do this myself.
With Freedom Support Services
Stacii Lee
Richie Goddard

10/09/2025

🐠Huge congratulations to T, the only one of our group to actually land a catch this afternoon at our weekly meet up! 🐟
(Photo used with parental consent.)

09/09/2025

I still hear so many parents complaining that there are no local opportunities for their child/children living with Autism or ASD to meet other teenagers who have similar diagnoses.

I don't have a child with either of these disabilities, yet I am giving up my time on a weekly basis after a full day of work to try and fulfil a need in our community.

If you don't support initiatives like this by at least bringing your 14 - 17-year-old child along once to see if it's appropriate for them, then I think you forfeit the right to continue complaining.

If you have better ideas then please share them here. All will be gratefully received.

If there is a day and time that is more convenient for the majority of families, by all means, please let me know by commenting here. Wednesday afternoon was only selected as the largest number of people who responded to my initial post on the Coffs Harbour NDIS Discussion page said it was better for them.

If you think that you are able to do better, you are most welcome to step up and take over this unpaid role. Just let me know.

But please, stop complaining and criticising when you haven't even been along.

All 14 - 17-year-olds, male, female, and non-binary are very welcome!
Bring your parent, your support worker, your siblings, or your mate - or come along on your own. We'd love to have you join us.

(Please be aware that anyone who private messages me with another complaint or criticism will be blocked.)

08/09/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️FREE Peer Activity Meet-up for 14 - 17-year-olds living with ASD/Autism this Wednesday afternoon, 10th September 4.30pm - 5.30pm⭐️⭐️⭐️

We will be meeting at Coffs Harbour Marina, at the tables right beside the Fisherman's Co-Op for some fishing, fun, and conversation. Please feel free to bring your skateboard, scooter, bicycle, etc. for a ride along North Wall if the fish aren't biting, and some money for an ice-cream from the Homemade Ice-cream shop if you are an ice-cream lover like Z and me!

I look forward to seeing you there!

03/09/2025

A great afternoon at Coffs Harbour Skate Park this afternoon:
Gorgeous sunshine, loads of talented board riders, scooter enthusiasts and bike freestylers impressing spectators.

Huge kudos to the awesome Z, T and M who showed up, supported and encouraged each other, and ultimately had a tonne of fun!

Next Wednesday afternoon we are going to meet up out the front of the Coffs Fishing Co Op at the Marina at 4.30pm for a spot of fishing.

Bring your rod, your reel, your net, your bait, and your bucket if you're feeling lucky.😉

If the tide is not so favourable and the fish aren't biting, you are most welcome to bring your skateboard, scooter or bicycle for a ride along North Wall. Don't forget to bring a drink of water with you.

Support workers, parents, and siblings are very welcome!

***This is a non-gendered, FREE activity for teens 14 - 17 years living with a diagnosis of Autism or ASD. ***

03/09/2025

I'm down at the Coffs Harbour Skate Park and there's plenty going on in preparation for the competition later this week! Some genuine skill and talent on show this afternoon!

Come on down and check it out for yourself. Who cares whether they're here for our group or not - there's lots of interaction happening between all ages 😉

03/09/2025