Every community is stronger when everyone belongs.
That simple belief inspired Leanne and Damien Walsh to establish Sunshine Butterflies in 2010 after the experience of raising their son, Curtis, who was born 13 weeks premature in 1995 and was later diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Through lived experience came a powerful vision to create a unique and all-inclusive disability support service where people with disability and their families could feel supported, connected, valued and empowered to live life to the fullest.
That vision began in the garage of the Walsh family home in Tewantin with just three members and four volunteers. Today, Sunshine Butterflies supports hundreds of post-school-aged people with disability - from school leavers through to mature adults - and their families through a passionate team of more than 90 staff and 20 volunteers. Together, we create opportunities for people to build confidence, develop independence, form meaningful friendships and participate fully in community life.
As our community has grown, so too has our impact. In 2014, we established ‘Our Backyard’ in the Noosa hinterland, a unique community space where people of all ages and abilities can connect, learn and belong. While visitors of all ages are welcomed to enjoy ‘Our Backyard’, our disability support programs are specifically designed for post-school-aged members. In 2021, we expanded the property to 15 acres, creating even more opportunities for inclusive programs, employment pathways, community connection and our long-term vision of supported residential homes for people with disability.
While much has changed since our beginnings, our purpose has remained the same. Sunshine Butterflies exists to challenge the stigma surrounding disability, create opportunities where barriers once existed and build communities where everyone is valued for who they are.
Every program we deliver, every partnership we build and every dream we pursue is driven by one belief: inclusion changes lives.
Together with our members, families, volunteers, donors, sponsors and wider community, we are creating more than services. We are building a future where every person with disability has the opportunity to belong, thrive and live a life of purpose, connection and possibility.
Because when people belong, communities thrive.
