Metung’s Lily Martyn is a busy single mother of three boys, and with her youngest son due to start school next year, she is now facing the prospect of there being no appropriate local education option available.
Her son George, aged four, is autistic and non-verbal.
“My youngest son George is four years old, autistic and non-verbal. He is one of the most joyful little people you’ll ever meet.
He loves being around people, he’s learning to communicate in his own beautiful way, and he lights up every room he walks into,” Ms Martyn said.
“Like hundreds of families across East Gippsland, we have spent years navigating a system that simply does not reach far enough for regional kids. George falls into a gap that doesn’t have a name yet — too capable for a specialist school, too complex for mainstream.
“Autism-specific education works. Schools like Aspect and Mansfield Autism Statewide Services prove it. But in regional Australia, the distance to those services is too great for most families.”
Ms Martyn has responded by establishing the Do It For Foundation, a community movement aimed at filling gaps for neurodivergent children and their families in the region. The initiative supports sensory equipment no longer covered by the NDIS, respite care for carers, sibling programs, and improved access to specialists and services.
She recently met with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester to advocate for more flexible education options for children like George.
Since then, families across East Gippsland have come forward sharing similar experiences, highlighting what Ms Martyn says is a widespread regional issue.
Within a week of launching a “Wall of Names” on the Do It For Foundation website, 26 children’s names from Briagolong to Metung were added.
“That is just in one week, and there are more being added every day. It really showcases that families feel services are lacking and that these kids are out there,” she said.
Ms Martyn said the response had been overwhelming.
“I didn’t realise there were other families out there going through what I am going through. It can be quite isolating, but since others have made contact both George and I have made new friends.”
Looking ahead, Ms Martyn will run the half marathon at the inaugural Running Festival in Lakes Entrance in November 2026 in George’s honour.
More than 10 East Gippsland businesses have already signed on as sponsors, and she is calling for further community support.
“So far, I have a team of five running with me and would welcome more to run or cheer on the side. I am not a runner. I am a mum who is doing it anyway, because that’s what this movement is about.
“Every dollar raised goes directly toward the Do It For movement — building community, funding advocacy, and making noise where it matters most.”
