About us
Celebrating that Difference is Magical
The Luke Priddis Foundation is a Penrith based non-profit. Luke and Holly Priddis started the Luke Priddis Foundation (LPF) in 2006 after their third child, Cooper, was diagnosed with Autism.
The Luke Priddis Foundation caters to clients aged 2-18 years old. LPF is known for being a centre for Autism, however, a diagnosis is not necessary to receive services.
We firmly believe in delivering:
- Neuroaffirming practices
- Strengths based approach
- Person-centred and family focused goals
- Collaborative multidisciplinary services
Founders
“As parents of a child with ASD, we understand the combination of frustration, grief and joy felt by every parent of a child with special needs, especially when it comes to accessing early intervention services for our children. There are very few services that cater specifically for children with ASD.” (Luke Priddis)
We want to make a lasting difference.
Vision
Values
meet our board members
Leadership in Action: Meet the Board of Directors of Luke Priddis Foundation
Chairperson and Co-Founder of the LPF
Father of four with two being on the ASD spectrum, formerly an NRL Rugby League Professional and RLPA board member, currently Director and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) of Invest Blue.
Deputy Chairperson and Co-Founder of the LPF.
Professional background: I am a late diagnosed Autistic/ADHD woman and mother of four children, three of whom are also neurodivergent. I have degrees including a PhD in midwifery, and previously lectured in this field. I have a graduate certificate in Autism Studies, and have recently commenced my second PhD exploring the experiences of Autistic people giving birth in Australia. I am an artist and book illustrator. I am able to provide lived experience insight to the board as both a neurodivergent woman and a parent.
Secretary of the Board
Will joined the LPF board in July 2023. Will has degrees in Business and International Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney and has studied in Italy as part of this degree. Will subsequently completed a Masters of Business Administration at Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Will has worked in human resources for 15 years in consulting and financial services.
Will lives in the lower Blue Mountains and enjoys being close to his extended family. Through this he has a strong interest in the support services available to children with autism. Early in Will’s career he spent a significant amount of time working in the not for profit sector, particularly in the fundraising side for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amnesty International and Medecins sans Frontiers.
Will brings skills in finance, people management and fundraising.
Treasurer of the Board
Director of Pinnacle Taxation Services. Michael is a CPA and has been providing wealth protection/business growth and compliance advice for over 19 years. Michael is the father of four children.
Manish is passionate about the role risk management play in decision making under uncertainty and creating shareholder value whilst managing community expectations. Manish holds Bachelor in Commerce (Hons), Masters in Business Administration (Finance) and Masters in Risk Management and is also a Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).
Board member
Board Member
Chris was born in Penrith, educated at Christian Brothers, gained an Honours Degree in Economics from UNSW and completed postgraduate study at Macquarie University.
He has 30 years’ experience in financial markets in Australia, UK, USA and Hong Kong, Prior to his retirement he was Country Treasurer for Citibank Australia.
Prior to joining the Board he and his wife, Maureen had a lifetime commitment to assisting those on the Autism spectrum through assistance in housing and personal development. Chris brings to the Board his skills in finance, investment and business management.
Board Member
Anthony (Tony) Nay was the founding principal of Incremental Marketing Group From 1996 until sale of the business in 2023.Incremental specialises in business to business customer reward and incentive programs for blue chip clients including HP, Unilever, Mitsubishi, Nestle and Kraft Heinz. The business assisted clients in 17 countries around the world with offices in London, Houston ,Auckland and Sydney. Prior to starting Incremental, Tony was the General Manager of Sales and Marketing for the National Foods Dairy group with sales of $1.4 Billion.
Tony and his wife Janinne, have 4 children and live in the Blue Mountains. Tony hopes his previous experience in developing and managing businesses through innovative marketing initiatives will assist in making the LPF a leading and sustainable centre in assisting families throughout Western Sydney.
our strategic vision
Shape Tomorrow: Contribute to Our Strategic Vision!
In March 2017 the Luke Priddis Foundation opened Western Sydney’s first “Centre for Autism” right in the heart of Penrith. The multi-disciplinary Centre provides support, therapy and advocacy for individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders. The approach is truly unique offering community programs, a state of the art Sensory Room, Parental respite and integrated services including Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology & Diagnosis.
Autism does not discriminate; it touches all cultures and demographics. It is a lifelong developmental condition. As awareness and diagnostic services improve, the age of children diagnosed as on the spectrum has broadened. This means further action needs to be taken increase services and therapies available in Western Sydney. The figures are frightening – 1 in 56 children with be diagnosed with ASD this year! LPF services are all inclusive and aim to assist any community member affected reach their full potential regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, religion or socio-demographic background.
The foundation recognises that this facility plays a vital role in providing ASD families and many others access to social, medical and welfare services. Being accepted, fitting in, self-confidence, emotional awareness, reaction regulation and general cognitive skills addressed in the foundations programs that have lifelong benefits to participants. By supporting these families, facilitating evidence-based and specialised treatment programs and encouraging awareness of the cause, we create a vibrant and all-embracing community.
Supporting Autistic Kids and Adolescents
Your contribution makes a direct impact on the lives of Autistic kids and adolescents.
Difference is magical. Be part of making a difference.