La Trobe is proud to be a finalist in the 2025 Shaping Australia Awards, nominated in the Community Champion category for Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University.
As Australia’s first centre dedicated to autism research, OTARC sets a national benchmark for inclusive, community-driven research. The centre demonstrates how universities can co-create knowledge that improves lives.
Why it matters
This project isn’t just about research, it’s about real-world, community impact. It’s helping to build more inclusive systems, improve services and ensure autistic voices are central to the decisions that affect their lives. That’s why it’s been recognised nationally as a model for community-led innovation.
How you can help
Voting is now open for OTARC in the the Community Champion Award and closes on 19 January 2026.
Feel free to share the link and encourage your friends to vote too!