The first publicly funded, purpose-built Residential Eating Disorders Centre in NSW is celebrating its first anniversary, delivering life-changing support for people living with eating disorders.
Named baiyangbaiyaang, an Aboriginal name meaning 'Butterfly - the one who flutters', the two-storey, 12-bed facility in Newcastle has welcomed 32 residents since opening in April 2025.
Early results are encouraging, with nearly all residents who completed recovery assessments showing improvements in their eating disorder symptoms.
Feedback from families and participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with some describing the centre as "life‑changing," "unlike any other eating disorder help I've had," and "the most valuable program I have ever engaged with."
The $13.5 million Charlestown-based centre was delivered as part of a $63 million Commonwealth Government investment to establish seven residential eating disorder care centres nationally.
The NSW Government is investing approximately $8.84 million annually for the running of the centre.
The eating disorder program provides up to three months of evidence-based, multidisciplinary care in a homelike environment. Each person is supported by a dedicated a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, Aboriginal mental health workers, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and social workers.
Alongside clinical support, residents participate in daily therapeutic and practical activities, including psychotherapy, grocery shopping, cooking classes and gentle movement sessions, designed to help residents build independence and confidence as they transition home.
The centre is currently being evaluated through the Australia and New Zealand TrEAT Clinical Quality Registry, which collects national outcomes data (with participant consent) to support research and guide future service improvements.
It's just one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is improving mental health care in New South Wales, including:
- Investing more than $64 million in community-based mental health care to support people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community.
- Building a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, where anyone can access free, walk-in mental health support.
- Embedding suicide prevention into all government decision making, with our world-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2025.
If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, contact the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HOPE) or visit Butterfly.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"In just one year, this centre has made a real difference for people living with eating disorders across NSW.
"It's incredibly encouraging to hear directly from those who have stayed here about the positive impact this service has had on their recovery.
"That's a testament to the dedicated team delivering wrap-around support in a safe, and welcoming environment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison:
"This service has become an invaluable resource for people living with eating disorders in our Charlestown community and right across New South Wales.
"In the year that it's been opened, it has provided critical wraparound care through a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, in a space designed with recovery in mind."
Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Mental Health Services, Hunter New England Local Health District Dr Anand Swamy:
"The feedback from clients and families has been incredibly encouraging and speaks to the dedication of our multi-disciplinary team."
