MANY Glenelg Shire shops and other businesses will operate a little more quietly, and with lower levels of lighting, every Tuesday in April as part of World Autism Awareness Month.


Known as Quiet Hour, 19 Glenelg Shire businesses have signed up to the initiative from 10.30am to 11.30am on Tuesdays to help make being out and about a more comfortable experience for many people on the autism spectrum.


Gunnas Surf & Sport Retail Trainee Sienna Spencer said a trip to the shops could be “overwhelming” for some people who live with autism, a sensory overload.


The bright, bustling store would have quieter radio levels, quieter conversations and dimmed lighting, she said.


“This initiative will help to raise awareness for autism and the barriers that are faced on a daily basis,” Sienna said.


“Implementing Quiet Hour in our store is a simple, convenient and effective way to offer a positive shopping experience for all people and support our local community.”


Other retailers are also being encouraged to follow suit.


Gunnas Surf & Sport and other businesses in Portland, Heywood and Casterton have already signed up to the program, including:


• Portland Community Pharmacy


• Daly’s Supa IGA (Portland)


• Bonnie & Fred (Casterton)


• All Sorts of Casterton


• Woolworths (Portland)


• Maritime Discovery Centre (Portland)


• Casterton Newsagents & Lotto (Casterton)


• Richardson Butchery (Casterton)


• Casterton Pharmacy (Casterton)


• Luxe Salon Beauty and Barber (Casterton)


• Glenelg Shire Customer Service Centres (Portland, Heywood and Casterton)


• Portland Arts Centre


• Heywood Post Office


• Heywood Pharmacy


• Heywood Hotel


• Bondy’s Fish & Chips/Bondy’s Pizza (Heywood)


• Heywood Bakery


• Gunnas Surf & Sport (Portland)


• Bayside Cafe (Portland)


For further details or to register a business for the Quiet Hour initiative visit https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/Our-Community/Access-and-Inclusion/Quiet-Hour (QR code below) or phone 1300 GLENELG (1300 453 635).