Mackay family gives back as new school creates life changing opportunities

When Mackay mum Jodie Kelly was tagged in a Facebook post late last year, she never imagined it would lead to the life-changing news her family had been desperately hoping for: a specialised school for her six-year-old autistic son in Mackay.

Now, as Term 2 of the 2025 school year approaches, Nixon is thriving—and his family is finally breathing a sigh of relief.

“We couldn’t believe our luck,” Jodie says, reflecting on the moment she saw the post. “Nixon was ready to start Prep, and by Christmas we had secured his full-time enrolment. It felt like it was meant to be.”

For the Kellys—like so many families in regional Queensland—options for specialised autism education have always been limited. Living and working in Moranbah, they’d relied on a supportive family day care environment, but they knew Nixon needed more to continue growing and learning as he started school.

“He was accepted and nurtured there, and we’re so grateful,” Jodie said. “But moving into Prep—we didn’t know where he’d fit. Then we saw that post, and everything changed.”

The new Autism Queensland School in Mackay, which opened its doors in January 2025, is already transforming lives. Designed specifically for autistic children, the school offers a calm, inclusive, and sensory-friendly learning environment, where individual strengths are celebrated, and each child is supported to thrive.

Nixon has made enormous strides—not only in the classroom but in his confidence, communication, and happiness.

“The progress he’s made in such a short time is just unbelievable,” Jodie shares. “As parents, we’ve also found a community. I know I speak for all the families when I say how incredibly lucky and thankful we are.”

This April, Autism Month, Jodie and her husband Nic (pictured below with Nixon) are turning their gratitude into action—supporting Autism Queensland’s #ShowYourTrueColours campaign to raise awareness and funds for programs that support autistic children and their families.

Jodie’s fundraising page has already raised more than $6000—and she’s not done yet.

“I want other families to have the same opportunity we’ve had,” she says. “If this school can help one more child like Nixon, it’s worth every step.”

Help Jodie and Nic reach their goal of raising $10,000 this Autism Month.  https://fundraise.autismqld.com.au/fundraisers/jodiekelly