136,000 Western Australians living with an eating disorder to benefit from major new state-wide support
Butterfly Foundation and the Mental Health Commission WA partner to improve early intervention, help-seeking, and care navigation across the state
Butterfly Foundation has announced a significant expansion of its eating disorder services across Western Australia, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission WA. The initiative aims to prevent eating disorders from happening, and to make it easier for affected West Australians to recognise eating disorder concerns early, access the right support, and navigate care with confidence.
Western Australia is home to an estimated 136,000 people living with an eating disorder, with more than 10 people losing their lives every month – and many more experiencing body image issues. Despite this, fewer than one in three people with an eating disorder access the help they need. The new initiative represents a coordinated statewide effort to change that.
“For too long, people living in WA have been calling out for increased education and support for eating disorders. We are hopeful these services will prevent eating disorders from occurring and reduce the impact of eating disorders by providing support for people to access individualised, holistic care in their home state,” said Butterfly CEO Dr Jim Hungerford.
Strengthening prevention in communities
Butterfly will deliver a coordinated suite of prevention and early identification programs across WA, targeting schools, families, and sporting organisations. Initiatives will equip communities with the knowledge and skills to foster positive body image, recognise early warning signs, and respond confidently when concerns arise.
Programs include:
- School prevention programs
- Professional development for educators and those working with young people
- Parent education sessions
- Sport-based initiatives
A clearer pathway to care
From September this year, Butterfly’s new WA Eating Disorder Hub will serve as a centralised, accessible first stop for anyone seeking eating disorder support in WA. Supported by an enhanced and regularly updated referral database , the Hub will offer:
- Clear pathways to appropriate care
- Easy-to-use navigation tools
- Accurate, up-to-date service information for individuals, carers, families, educators, and health professionals
Butterfly’s Referral Database, a single, trusted destination connecting people with the most appropriate local services, will sit at the heart of the Hub, reducing the confusion and delays that can make help-seeking overwhelming.
Fremantle-based Rachael Burns, Lived Experience advocate and Founder of Integrity Initiative, welcomed the announcement. “Living with an eating disorder is a kind of grief that is profoundly misunderstood,” she said.
“The work being undertaken by the Commission and Butterfly is both exciting and long overdue. It signals much-needed change, recognition and commitment in a space that truly needs it. Both myself and the communities I work within are thrilled that our hard-fought advocacy is (finally) not just being heard but also acted upon. My hope is that those leading this work are brave enough to step into discomfort, explore different approaches to those currently falling short, recognise intersectionality, and embed lived and living experience at every stage. Thank you for seeing us.”
Eating disorders are severe and complex conditions with the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
Health and Mental Health Minister Hon. Meredith Hammat said “It’s through investments like this that we can make meaningful change to improve the health and wellbeing of Western Australians living with an eating disorder, and those who care for people living with complex mental health challenges.
“Butterfly Foundation is a national leader for Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, so we are delighted to support its services in Western Australia.”
-ENDS-
Zoe Bradbury – Butterfly Communications Manager
Ph: 0400 585 855
E: zoe.bradbury@butterfly.org.au
About Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, prevention and early intervention programs, and by advocating for the needs of our community.
Note to editors and producers
Please include the following support line details in all coverage of this story, and refer to the Mindframe Media Guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders.
Help and support
- Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or butterfly.org.au — online chat and email available 7 days a week, 6am-10pm AWST
- For urgent support, call Lifeline: 13 11 14
