Major upgrades to the Sunshine Butterflies disability support facility will be supported by a $135,000 funding injection from the Federal Government, paving the way for more locals to use the service.
Sunshine Butterflies has grown from a volunteer-run organisation with a handful of members to become one of the region’s largest employers and support hundreds of people living with disability.
Sunshine Butterflies’ home, ‘Our Backyard’ at Cooroibah, will be expanded and improved with the addition of a new café, an accessible playground and a stage roof over the existing accessible stage area.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said this funding would help Sunshine Butterflies continue their valuable work in the community.
“Sunshine Butterflies is a magical place that brings people and their families together in a supportive, caring and encouraging environment,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Our Backyard contains many vibrant, creative and engaging spaces where people can come and learn new skills, make new friends, and enjoy new experiences, and this project will provide new opportunities for everyone to participate in.
“This is a project that will deliver benefits well beyond the local community and is exactly the kind of investment that our Government is making right across the region.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government’s investment would ensure this vital service continues to help locals.
“The Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government is delivering the projects local communities like Noosa need,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are funding the services and facilities that regional communities need for the future, so that they can grow and get ahead, and so locals can have the best possible life.
“This funding will deliver the upgrades needed for Sunshine Butterflies to continue to build a better future for people with disabilities and empower their families.”
Sunshine Butterflies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Leanne Walsh said: “This funding will deliver the upgrades needed for Sunshine Butterflies to continue to build a better future for people with disabilities and empower their families.”
The project is funded through the Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, which supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.
Sunshine Butterflies was established in 2010 and has grown to provide a broad range of daily recreational, educational and life skills programs for individuals of all ages and abilities.
The facility offers a unique range of programs, activities and services which are changing the lives of many individuals living with disabilities and their families.
