Sunshine Butterflies soar with $71,000 grant

Sunshine Butterflies members presenting portraits to Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O''Brien.

By Abbey Cannan

A new ‘Family Central’ facility for people with disabilities is a step closer to reality, after Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien delivered a $71,000 grant to Noosa’s Sunshine Butterflies.

“Sunshine Butterflies does immensely valuable work improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families, and this funding will help them create a one-stop shop to help people access a range of services and resources in one convenient location,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There’s always a lot of colour, movement and entertainment at Sunshine Butterflies. Leanne Walsh and her team have done an amazing job in creating a bright, friendly and welcoming space that provides practical support to people with disability, and their families and carers.”

Sunshine Butterflies marketing manager Synda Turnbull said the grant will go towards their new Family Central building which will provide space for services including family counselling, social enterprise initiatives for job creation, and creative spaces for therapy in non-clinical setting.

“This grant is really life changing for us as we will finally be able to finish off our construction phase,” Synda said.

Mr O’Brien said, “This funding will help Sunshine Butterflies continue its excellent work, promoting well-being, independence and inclusion for all people in the community.”

“I’m pleased the Coalition Government has been able to provide this funding and help Sunshine Butterflies increase membership and referrals to meet current and future demand, improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in Noosa.”

The funding will be delivered by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.