Butterfly Foundation, The

To bring about change to the culture, policy and practice in the prevention, treatment and support of those affected by eating disorders and body image issues.

Butterfly is here for any Australian impacted by an eating disorder or a body image issue. We’re committed to helping you find support—whether it’s for yourself, a friend, a family member, a client, or anyone else that you care about.

We work with governments, partners and philanthropic organisations to fill the gaps in existing services and trial new models of support, care and treatment.

Butterfly Helpline – 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)

Butterfly’s National Helpline is open 8am – midnight (AEST), seven days a week, and serves health workers, their clients, and other help-seekers. We provide information, guidance and referrals to professionals who we’ve screened for their understanding of eating disorders.

For Recovery

Butterfly facilitates face-to-face and online groups that create opportunities for people with eating disorders and body image issues to learn helpful skills, connect with others with shared experience, and find hope and inspiration for the recovery journey. 

For Carers

Butterfly’s online and face-to-face carer support groups and programs facilitate helpful self-care and support skills, opportunities for connection with other carers, and hope and resilience for the recovery journey. 

Outpatient treatment program

Butterfly’s outpatient programs allow participants to explore their struggles in a safe and recovery focused environment. Our specialist counsellors work with body image concerns, psychological issues and emotional regulation with a goal of normalising eating behaviours.

Residential Treatment

Wandi Nerida will be Australia’s first community-based residential facility for those most in need of both psychological and physical care. Due to open in early 2021, Wandi Nerida will open its doors to patients from across Australia, but only via referral from a clinician.

For more information on the above, see https://butterfly.org.au/health-professionals/refer-to-our-services/

Prevention Programs

We help young people, professionals and parents with specialist programs, workshops, presentations and resources. These address factors that influence negative body image, disordered eating and the development of eating disorders.

Our goal is to raise awareness, empower individuals and communities, reduce stigma and most importantly encourage people to seek support.

For more information, see https://butterfly.org.au/school-youth-professionals/about-our-programs/

Butterfly is the national voice of lived experience and is here for any Australian impacted by an eating disorder or a body image issue.

Anna Cullinane – Head of Finance & Administration

Melissa Wilton – Head of Communications & Engagement

Therese Coffey – National Manager, People & Culture

Sarah Squire – Knowledge, Research & Policy Manager

Ranjani Utpala – Butterfly Clinical Director

Zach de Beer – Wandi Nerida Residential Clinical Director

Jodie Ashworth – Wandi Nerida Residential Operations Director

Danni Rowlands – Prevention Services National Manager

Juliette Thomson – National Manager, Butterfly Helpline

Michelle Sperling – National Manager, Treatment & Support Services

Beth Shelton – National Eating Disorders Collaboration Director

David Murray AO – Chair

Jo Cook

Anne Doherty

Anthony Gill

Catherine Happ

Professor John Richard Newton

Professor Susan Paxton

Paul Salteri AM

Michael Same

Claire Middleton OAM – Founder

Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most important ways you can help us ensure that Butterfly Foundation will be here to support future generations.

After you have taken care of those closest to you, we would be honoured to receive any gift, large or small, to allow us to continue our mission and support those affected by eating disorders and body image issues.

How to leave a gift

When you make a Will or update your existing one, it is advisable that you obtain independent legal advice to ensure you achieve all you desire for your family and others close to you.

Should you decide that leaving a gift to Butterfly Foundation is something you wish to do, we suggest you use specific wording found here.

Butterfly Wings

You are not required to let us know if you have included Butterfly Foundation in your Will, however we welcome the opportunity to thank you in person to acknowledge your generous contribution during your lifetime.

Our Butterfly Wings are a group of generous and like-minded individuals who have decided to leave a gift in their Will to our organisation. As a special member of this group, you will receive invitations to events and activities to see how your support will be able to change the future of those experiencing eating disorders and negative body image.

For more information

To discuss leaving a gift in your Will, please be in touch with our National Philanthropy Manager, Rebecca Havas on 0455 024 5244 or rebecca.havas@butterfly.org.au

All information received by Butterfly is treated in the strictest confidence and we will respect your wishes if you choose to remain anonymous.

As a charity and a not for profit organisation we rely upon the generosity, commitment, support and shared vision of individuals, schools, community groups, volunteers, businesses, corporates and philanthropic organisations.

To make a donation to Butterfly, please click here

For other ways to get involved with Butterfly, please click here

Would you like to work for Australia’s largest not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting people with eating disorders and negative body image?

If so, please click here for more information.

Butterfly are currently in the process of reviewing our Volunteer Program, which will include introducing new volunteer opportunities.

We are not taking on new volunteer registrations at the moment, however we will be reopening volunteer registrations soon and new volunteers will be welcome to register at that time.

Please click here for more information.