On Thursday, 6 March, families, educators, partners and key supporters gathered to celebrate the official opening of Aspect Hills Shire School. The event began with a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Auntie Belinda Griffen. Located in the growing suburb of Gables, this purpose-built, autism-specific primary school in Sydney’s north-west offers a supportive environment for up to 72 Autistic students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Designed with the needs of Autistic students in mind, the school features 12 flexible classrooms, a sensory outdoor area, a life skills kitchen, a multi-purpose hall, technology room and library - all designed to nurture engagement, independence and optimal learning.
The Honourable Warren Kirby, Member for Riverstone, spoke about the community’s needs, noting:
“With the recent growth in our area, our community is now home to the most young people in NSW. This has seen a dramatic uptick in students with special needs in our local schools. Most schools in our area are over capacity and this is particularly challenging for Autistic students. Having a school specifically designed to cater for their needs ensures they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Jacqui Borland, CEO of Aspect, highlighted the significance of this new campus as Aspect’s 10th autism-specific school. She noted that this milestone is a testament to Aspect’s vision and determination over more than 55 years—to ensure that every Autistic student has access to an education that truly understands and supports them.
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education, spoke about the importance of providing high-quality, individualised education that truly supports the needs of Autistic students and their families. She highlighted that every space within Aspect Hills Shire School has been thoughtfully designed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students can feel confident, engaged, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Shane Morris, Principal of Aspect Hills Shire School, shared his vision for the new school:
“We are proud to expand into the Hills Shire, creating a school that not only provides high-quality education but also builds a strong, inclusive community for Autistic students and their families. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels safe, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
For parents like Irfan Hussain, whose son Aayan has transitioned to Aspect Hills Shire School, the impact of this new campus has been profound. "The establishment of Aspect Hills Shire has not only been critical for Aayan’s continued progress but has also massively reduced our daily travel time. When you’re caring for a child with special needs, the thing that most often gets neglected is your own needs as a parent or a couple. Having that extra time for self-care or other personal goals is incredibly helpful for the family. Schools like Aspect, which cater for the higher and specialised needs of Autistic children, are much needed and welcomed by parents."
The new school was made possible through a $10.2 million investment jointly funded by Aspect and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. With its opening, Aspect will continue to lead the way in innovative, evidence-based education, providing Autistic students with the tools they need to thrive—both in school and beyond.
For more information about Aspect’s schools, visit Aspect
