By Abbey Cannan
From very humble beginnings in 2010, Sunshine Butterflies has grown from a handful of members and just a few staff, to one of Noosa Shire’s biggest employers, with more than 90 staff.
Originally operating from a garage, before moving into a shed in Bartlett Street Noosaville in 2012, the organisation has continued to grow at a steady pace until 2019 when the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) came into play, bringing with it a huge demand for their services.
Since then Sunshine Butterflies has grown exponentially, employing many more staff, with increased demand for more transport vehicles and expanded facilities.
Their membership has since grown to over 100 active members with a waiting list, and they now offer a vast range of services far above and beyond what they ever dreamt of.
Sunshine Butterflies now offers a comprehensive range of daily Recreational, Educational and Life Skills programs, a vast range of Therapy and Wellbeing programs, including Animal Assisted Therapy, as well as In-Home Support services, supported holidays, Weekend Respite, and Community Support.
They also now manage three Supported Independent Living properties and are currently assisting several members to transition to living independently.
For Founder and CEO Leanne Walsh, it’s a dream come true.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,“ she said.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as an organisation and of this incredible facility we have built in just six years.
“We hope everyone else loves it too.”
Sunshine Butterflies now offer a range of really unique services that include educational programs such as ‘Tech Connect’ IT program, a vast range of recreational programs such as ‘Rockability’ (music), ‘Chippie’s Corner’ (woodworking), ‘Kiss My Art’ (art and craft) and ‘Drama Queens’ (drama and karaoke), ‘Metal Heads & Motors’, ‘Farmability’ (animal care), and ‘Commando Campers’, as well as vital life skills programs for young adults.
Last year they opened their new ‘Farmyard Cooking School’, which has proven very popular.
Those in attendance at their birthday celebration were able to witness the pure joy beaming from their ’Rockability’ program.From the Jackson Five, to their original Sunshine Butterflies song, to a Dirty Dancing classic, the crowd enjoyed every moment of their performance.
Each visit to Sunshine Butterflies leaves you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart, and those who have spent any time within the past ten years working and volunteering at the organisation deserve a huge pat on the back.
