The Source: Mick Gatto prays for church deal to go through

Professional mediator Mick Gatto and his wife, Cheryl, are closing in on a deal to buy a church in Melbourne’s northern suburbs — and it’s all for a special cause.

Mick Gatto and his wife, Cheryl, plan to buy a church.

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

Mediator Mick Gatto is planning to buy a church to convert into a safe space for children with autism.

Gatto, and wife Cheryl, who run a not-for-profit organisation, Equal Access For Autism (EAFA), are close to sealing the deal on the property, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

“We have an expression of interest in, we haven’t got the nod yet, but we’re down to the last two,” Gatto said. “We’ve raised $4m over the last two years to play for the church.”

So far, Mick and Cheryl have hosted two gala balls to raise funds to build autistic-friendly indoor playgrounds for adolescents on the spectrum.

Their grandson, Dominic, is autistic.

Gatto said “it will mean the world” if the church deal goes through.

“We want to convert (the property) into an autistic-friendly playground with therapy rooms and a coffee shop,” Gatto said. “It will be a one-stop shop where people can visit with their autistic children. That’s the plan.”

Gatto said it would also cement the plan they’ve spruiked to EAFA friends and supporters. “It would mean we’ve kept our word and things are up and going. It would also be something to showcase to authorities so they support this issue.”

Meanwhile, Mick and Cheryl will host Laps For Love, a family fun day to raise awareness for autism, at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Sunday, from 11am to 3pm

The event includes autistic-friendly activities including dancing, art, rock climbing, a butterfly enclosure, and a visit from Sensory Santa.

Register at equalaccessforautism.org.au

Got a tip? Let us know [e-mail]