For families in Mildura, accessing autism diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. Long waitlists, high costs, and the need to travel to metropolitan centres often create barriers that delays support. The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic (VEAC), funded by the State government and an initiative of La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre is working to change that by bringing expert services directly to regional communities.
Focused on diagnosing children under 36 months, VEAC offers a multidisciplinary approach involving psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. While the service is already offered at a reduced rate of $500 for concession card holders, La Trobe Mildura recognised that even this could be out of reach for some families. With support from the Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundation, all five families were able to access the assessments at no cost.
Local mum Carrie Collins heard of the clinic through Mildura Rural City Council’s Maternal and Child Health team and shared her gratitude.
“We did two Telehealth appointments and one in person. Alfie saw an occupational therapist, speech therapist, and psychologist. It’s usually thousands of dollars, but this was just $500—and we didn’t pay a cent thanks to the Foundation.”
La Trobe Mildura Head of Campus Sandy Connor said the impact of receiving these assessments locally cannot be overstated.
“This clinic is a testament to what can be achieved through genuine community partnership. It brings together university expertise, local health services, and philanthropic support to address a real need — demonstrating the impact of collaboration on outcomes for local families,” Sandy said.
The Family and Child Hub, recently reopened after a $2 million upgrade and is a standout facility in Mildura, purpose-built to support families and children. It’s staffed by a dedicated team that includes La Trobe nursing, social work, and midwifery alumni.
VEAC currently operates out of La Trobe’s Bundoora campus on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm. In addition to its regular services in Melbourne, the clinic has expanded its reach this year with pop up outreach clinics in Bendigo, Shepparton, and now Mildura—with Albury-Wodonga next on the horizon.
Pictured (L-R): Zoe Bozinis, Kim Galletti, Tara Smythe, Shashika Pelpola.
