Mick Gatto opens up on family’s journey with autism

The well-known couple have shared heart-wrenching insight into their teen grandson’s journey with autism, saying he faces “isolation, intimidation and discrimination”.

Mick and Cheryl Gatto have opened up about the struggle and determination of families who have children with autism.

Mick, a high profile mediator, and wife Cheryl, hosted their annual Equal Access For Autism (EAFA) Gala Ball in Melbourne on Saturday.

EAFA, a not-for-profit organisation, has a mission to build safe spaces for children with autism. Mick and Cheryl and Mick’s grandson, Dominic, 17, is autistic.

“Autism can be challenging, frustrating, and sometimes very lonely for families,” Cheryl said at the event on Saturday.

Mick and Cheryl Gatto purchased the former St Marys Anglican Church in Preston to turn it into a hub for autistic kids. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We’ve watched our beautiful grandson, who is pure of heart … face isolation, intimidation, and discrimination. He doesn’t feel it, but his family does. (EAFA) is dedicated to making a difference in their lives. Let’s do it together.”

EAFA will convert a former Preston church into The Haven, a space with an indoor play area, therapy rooms and a party room for children and teens on the spectrum.

Mick Gatto bought the Tyler St property last year for $4m, from funds raised from previous EAFA gala events.

Live auction items at the gala event on Saturday included an offer to spend “a week in the life” of controversial neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo in Cambodia.

Mick and Cheryl Gatto take to the stage at the 2025 EAFA Gala Ball. Picture: Nui Te Koha.

A sale summary said: “Love him or hate him, Dr Charlie Teo is regarded as one of the best neurosurgeons globally. He’s in high demand for his expertise in removing complex brain tumours.”

The prize included meeting Dr Teo in Phnom Penh, watching him interact with patients, teach local surgeons, and observe him perform “lifesaving surgeries on challenging brain tumours.”

The item, donated by Dr Teo and poker king Tony Hachem, also included business class flights, accommodation, and dinners with the neurosurgeon and his colleagues.

It sold for $15,000.

Dr Teo was banned from performing certain surgeries in Australia without written permission in July 2023 after being found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct by the Medical Professional Standards Committee.

The prize included meeting Dr Charlie Teo in Phnom Penh and watching him interact with patients. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Since stopping work in Australia, Dr Teo has performed surgeries in China, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, India and Brazil.

The 1000-seat gala event, hosted by TV presenter Shane Jacobson, and menu by celebrity chefs George Calombaris and Johnny Di Francesco, was sold out.

Bjorn Again, magician Phil Cass and young stand-up star JJ Pantano, entertained the crowd.

Another auction item, a “luxurious maritime adventure” aboard AFL legend and broadcaster Sam Newman’s 56-foot yacht — captained by Newman — was listed as “priceless.”

A summary of the item, valid for 14 people, said: “You and your guests will enjoy a leisurely voyage along the scenic coastline, fully catered, and unparalleled hospitality … creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

It sold for $16,500.

Mick Gatto said the 2025 EAFA Gala raised between 1.8m and $2m.