Metung mother Lily Martyn has turned her personal fight for better support for her son George into a new community foundation helping neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met with Ms Martyn, alongside The Nationals candidate for Gippsland East Gemma Rendell, to discuss the newly established Do It For Foundation Gippsland and the growing number of regional families seeking support.
Mr Chester first met Ms Martyn earlier this year after she began speaking publicly about the challenges facing her son George and other neurodivergent children who risk falling through the gaps in regional education and support systems.
At the time, Ms Martyn’s advocacy had already prompted other East Gippsland families facing similar challenges to come forward, highlighting the need for better access to regional support.
Mr Chester said what started as one mother advocating for her son had grown into something much bigger.
“Lily first came to see me because she was concerned that children like George could be left without an education setting capable of meeting their needs,” Mr Chester said.
“Regional families simply don’t have the same range of specialist options available in metropolitan areas, and too many children are at risk of falling through the gaps.
“Instead of accepting that situation, Lily has kept advocating, brought families together and turned her experience into practical support for others.”
Ms Martyn has now established Do It For Foundation Gippsland, a locally based community foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and their families across the region.
She was joined at the meeting by the foundation’s Vice President, Bairnsdale mother Krista Websdale, who brings her own lived experience of navigating the support system for a neurodivergent child.
Mr Chester said one of the most powerful features of the foundation was its Bubble Wall, with each bubble representing a neurodivergent child or young person in East Gippsland and the family supporting them.
“There are already 95 bubbles on the wall,” Mr Chester said.
“That means 95 local families have connected with the foundation, found others who understand their experiences, and become part of a growing community determined to make things better.
“That is both powerful and confronting, because it shows how many families are looking for support, connection and practical solutions.”
Mr Chester said Ms Martyn’s work demonstrated courage, persistence and a deep commitment to other families facing similar challenges.
“Lily has taken a difficult personal experience and used it to support others,” Mr Chester said.
“That takes courage, persistence and an enormous amount of work.
“Well done to Lily, Krista and everyone involved with Do It For Foundation Gippsland.
“I look forward to working with them to ensure regional families are heard and have access to the support and opportunities their children deserve.”
