Lighting up Launceston for Fragile X

You may not have heard of Fragile X but did you know it is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability worldwide?

“We have so much diversity and innovation in our region, and I wanted to make sure Shadow Ministers from throughout the country were able seek ideas to assist future policy making.”

The regional tour included visits to local business and industry in George Town, Bell Bay and Hillwood, before Shadow Cabinet gathered for a meeting in Launceston.

The genetic disorder affects about 1 in 4,000 males and around 1 in 6,000 females and it is estimated that about 90,000 people in Australia are impacted by Fragile X in some way – as carriers of Fragile X, or with Fragile X syndrome.

On 22nd July this year, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer again joined members of the northern Tasmanian community living with Fragile X, their loved ones and supporters on the steps of Launceston’s Town Hall as it was once again lit up in orange in support of World Fragile X Day.

“I have attended this event over the past few years as it is an important way of shining a light for the individuals and families affected by Fragile X and shining a light for the work underway for advances in diagnosis and treatment,” Mrs Archer said.

“I understand there is more work to be done in the areas of early diagnosis – both early identification of people who are carrying the Fragile X gene premutation and early identification of those who have the syndrome.

“Further work is also needed by researchers and clinicians to identify future treatments and I look forward to working with the Fragile X Association of Australia to help advance this work where I can.”

For local parents Brent and Claire Colgrave, community organisations have been critical as they help their two sons Harry, 18 and Tom, 17, navigate life while living with the syndrome with New Horizons Tasmania and the Mowbray Cricket Club providing a sense of connection and inclusiveness for the young men.

“Luckily, we live in a fantastic small community in Tassie and in Launceston, Ms Colgrave told The Examiner in July.

“These kids and these young adults and even older adults just want to be the same as other people. They want to feel included and loved, they don’t want to be treated differently.”

For more information on Fragile X, please visit https://www.fragilex.org.au/