Internationally, October is dyslexia awareness month.

National light ups include the Brisbane Story Bridge, Optus Stadium Perth, Melbourne Star the Southern Hemisphere's only giant observation wheel, Old Parliament House Canberra and Darwin Convention Centre.

Dyslexia Mid North Coast is thrilled to join the national campaign for a third year.

The group will meet at the Tacking Point Surf Club at 5.30pm for drinks and children’s activities and walk across the beach to the lighthouse for a photo opportunity at 7pm.

“It’s fantastic that Tacking Point Lighthouse is a beacon of light for dyslexia awareness placing Port Macquarie on the map alongside national monuments for the month of October,” Kelly King said.  

This year for the first time Town Square will also light up red from October 13-15 thanks to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The colour red represents the red pen which is often used to mark schoolwork. Light it Red reclaims the colour to empower children and raise awareness.

It’s a misconception that children with dyslexia learn to read differently. All children benefit from systematic synthetic phonics instruction in the early years but children with dyslexia will require more intensive instruction and repetition to crack the code of reading and become proficient writers.  

Tacking Point Lighthouse is a favourite spot for local photographers who can capture a different kind of photo when the lighthouse shines red this October. Photographers who snap photos can share them to social media with the hashtag #LIR2018.

The light up is supported by The Westport Club, The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie  Sunrise, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, InPhase Productions and Ocean Drive Images.

Ten percent of Australians have dyslexia, with up to twenty percent being on the dyslexic continuum. In every classroom, there will be three to five students who struggle to learn to read, write and spell.  

Follow the Facebook page for updates on Light it Red for Dyslexia facebook.com/dyslexiamidnorthcoast/