Airlie's Legacy: Sensory-Safe Parks for Kids

0:00This is Corey with Sydney News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. One year ago, six-year-old Erily Montgomery, a non-verbal girl with autism, wandered off from her North-Noura home on March 16th, 20-25. She was missing for four hours before searchers found her body at the bottom of an 800-meter high lookout called the Grotto. Her family has been dealing with the heartbreaking loss ever since. Corey Montgomery, Erily's father, says the pain feels as fresh as the day it happened. He and his wife Katie keep working and managing daily life on the surface, but tears come most nights. They push forward, turning their grief into action for their other kids in Erily's memory. Erily saw the world in a special way, finding stories in simple things like rocks, but her autism made it hard for her to grasp danger. Now, her parents are starting the Erily Ferry Foundation to create more sensory safe and accessible public spaces for kids like her. With help from Shoal Haven City Council and State Funding, their first project upgrades

1:03a small park near their home where Erily played, it will add inclusive equipment, fencing, and security features to make it safer and more welcoming. On Sunday, locals gathered at the Grotto for a memorial overlooking the river, celebrating Erily's short life with a fairy garden in her favorite, color, purple. Erily caused the spot a place for reset now, and he plans to expand these park improvements statewide. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen. S-O-L-I-SOLIPILLO.COM