THE family of severely autistic man Luke Modra has not received any more contact from the Department of Health and Human Services as fears remain he will be taken from his Lockwood South home on October 1.

But father Mark Modra said the awareness of his 27-year-old son’s struggle has risen significantly, and a petition and fundraising page has been launched this week.

Despite running out of funds to continue to have support workers on the property, Mr Modra said he had received support from friends.

The frustration around the situation remained however.

“We’ve heard absolutely nothing from DHHS,” he said.

“We’re still not sure who’s going to pick him up on October 1.”

The family is requesting funding from DHHS to pay the casual wages of eight support workers on the property, who rotate in shifts throughout the week.

The Modra’s devised the support program themselves, after struggling with multiple care providers in the past years.

The Bendigo Advertiser understands the department is working closely with the office of disability and ageing minister Martin Foley to find an outcome.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said she had been in close regular contact with Mr Foley about the issue.

“It’s a matter for the department, they’ll be working very hard to make sure the date comes without a change for Luke,” she said.

“It would be an enormous upheaval for Luke to leave the property.

“There needs to be support until the NDIS begins, because it’s obvious that Luke would be a candidate for the NDIS.”

Luke’s plight was also raised in state parliament last week.

Member for Mount Waverley Michael Gidley sought information about the issue. Luke’s parents Mark and Ellen Modra live within the suburban Melbourne seat.

Mr Gidley said it was important not to preempt any outcome, but he understood the family’s concerns.

“Mr Modra has contacted me and indicated that he cannot care for his son Luke with the current level of funding provided by the minister’s department,” he said.

“I am asking the minister to review the funding currently being provided to this family.”

The DHHS released a statement on Sunday stating it would work closely with the Modra family to find “appropriate alternative accommodation for Luke”.

“The Modra family receives a package of funding for the care and support of Luke. The family makes all decisions on how this funding is used for the management of his care,” the statement said.

“A range of options are being considered to meet Luke's needs and the wishes of his family. The department will continue to work with the Modra family in Luke's best interests to ensure he receives support for the short and long term.”