Kelly King, Dyslexia Mid North Coast spokesperson, said they were delighted Port Macquarie joined capital cities nationwide to share an important message.

“Families in regional areas often struggle as there are less professional services available to help children with specific learning difficulties,” she said.

Over 35 national monuments, bridges and buildings supported the campaign to increase awareness for those who struggle to read, write and spell.

Light Ups across Australia included Royal Australian Mint and Old Parliament House Canberra, The NSW State Library, The Big Banana Coffs Harbour, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Brisbane Story Bridge, Trafalgar Bridge Perth, Adelaide Town Hall and Darwin Convention Centre.

Approximately 10 per cent of Australians have dyslexia, which impedes their ability to learn how to read, write and spell.

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said ‘Light it Red for Dyslexia’ and Dyslexia Empowerment Week would highlight the struggles that so many families and their children with dyslexia face at school.

“Dyslexia is something that can be overcome but every child needs the understanding of teachers, the focus of governments and policymakers and community awareness to make it happen and profound impacts on other areas throughout their school lives,” Mr Birmingham said.

“There are some truly heartbreaking stories from children who battle everyday just to be heard and understood and equally there are inspiring tales of the hurdles they have overcome.”

Dyslexia Empowerment Week runs from October 16 to 22 and schools are encouraged to host a ‘Light it Red Day’ where students wear red for a day.

Gold coin donations can help schools to purchase essential resources such as Decodable Readers.