About us
About Butterfly Circle
Butterfly Circle Inc is a social impact organisation dedicated to building lifelong, wrap-around support for people experiencing vulnerability, marginalisation and the long-term impacts of crisis.
We recognise that people often face overlapping challenges, and that these intersecting experiences shape recovery, wellbeing and access to opportunity. Butterfly Circle isn't just a service. It's a community and a long-term safety net.
Photo courtesy of Nino Souza / Pexels
Our vision
A society where every person has lifelong access to support, connection and opportunity. A community where no one is ever left behind once crisis services end.
Our purpose
What we exist to provide
We aim to walk alongside people over time, with support that values dignity, choice and connection.
Long-term connection
Lifelong, community-based support, outreach and peer-led groups that stay connected with people who might otherwise feel isolated.
Inclusion & belonging
Inclusive, intersectional programs and gatherings that reflect diverse identities and lived experiences, and help restore belonging and confidence.
Recovery & stronger systems
Recovery-focused programs informed by research and social science, alongside advocacy and support to navigate services and systems.
Our approach
Shaped by research and lived experience
We believe recovery, stability and wellbeing are collective responsibilities, not individual burdens.
Intersectional practice
Recognising how identity, culture and systemic barriers shape each person's recovery.
Trauma-informed principles
Leading with safety, empowerment and relational trust in everything we do.
Strengths-based frameworks
Meeting people through their resilience, capability and leadership.
Cultural safety and inclusion
Creating spaces where people from all communities feel respected and safe.
Multi-systemic collaboration
Working across health, community, education and social services together.
Long-term continuity
Aiming to walk alongside people over time, through each stage of recovery.
Who we support
We welcome people from all backgrounds and identities
Butterfly Circle is being designed to support people navigating a range of intersecting experiences, and we're committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
- People rebuilding after trauma, abuse and family and domestic violence
- Individuals and families seeking longer-term recovery and connection
- LGBTIQA+ community members
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with disability
- People facing systemic barriers to safety, stability and belonging
Why this matters
Vulnerability doesn't disappear when crisis services end
Research consistently shows that trauma and systemic disadvantage have profound, long-term effects on health, wellbeing and social participation. Recovery outcomes improve when people have stable relationships, community connection and ongoing support, not short-term crisis responses alone.
Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of poor recovery, while trauma-informed, culturally safe, community-based support is linked to stronger engagement and lasting wellbeing. This evidence underpins our commitment to lifelong, wrap-around care.
Photo courtesy of Beyzaa Yurtkuran / Pexels
Why connection matters
Change is easier when people have support around them.
The butterfly reflects an idea at the heart of Butterfly Circle: change takes time, and people should be able to stay connected to support as they move forward.
Meet the team
The people behind Butterfly Circle
Samantha Petty BSocSc (Hons)
Founder & Chief Executive
A social scientist with a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Human Services and Community Work, Samantha founded Butterfly Circle to build lifelong, wrap-around support for people facing vulnerability and the long-term impacts of trauma. Her leadership brings together evidence-based practice and lived experience, with a focus on relational, inclusive and culturally safe support.
Elise MInfSc
Secretary
Elise holds a Master's in Information Science and has worked across libraries and records management. She is committed to equitable access to knowledge, helping the organisation build clear, accessible and ethical information systems.
David
Partnerships Director
David brings public-sector experience in business support and workplace peer support. His steady, people-centred approach strengthens Butterfly Circle's partnerships and its trauma-aware, community-anchored work.
Kris
Treasurer
Known for reliability and clear communication, Kris draws on experience in data handling and process coordination to support strong financial oversight, transparent reporting and dependable operations.
Voting Committee: currently full. Contact us to register an expression of interest.