The Tasmanian Government has promised extra funding to support families who have lost a newborn or infant.
Independent MHA Rebekah Pentland, who experienced the natal death of her own son in December 2024, is backing the program.
Read their statements below.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 20 May 2025
Helping Tasmanian families through loss
Tasmanian families impacted by the loss of their baby will have access to additional support through Beyond the Rainbow as part of the Tasmanian Government’s upcoming 2025-26 Budget.
Beyond the Rainbow is a not-for-profit Tasmanian organisation that supports families who have lost children through pregnancy, stillbirth or early infancy, by providing care boxes.
Carefully put together by Collette Butler and her team of volunteers, the boxes include keepsakes, care items, and helpful resources for grieving parents.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said organisations like Beyond the Rainbow are helping to build a better Tasmania, now and into the future.
“I want to commend Collette and her team for this incredible initiative. Together, they are using their lived experience to support Tasmanian parents through an extremely difficult time,” Premier Rockliff said.
“This investment of $132,000 over two years will fund Loss Boxes, Sibling Boxes, Neonatal Boxes, as well as helping Beyond the Rainbow establish local support groups and increase educational resources.
“This year’s Budget is all about delivering on the things that matter to Tasmanians.”
Independent Member for Bass, Rebekah Pentland, said: “I lost my baby son Emmett late last year and I was consumed with grief and unable to function.”
“Beyond the Rainbow was a lifeline. The care package they provided my family offered us dignity, comfort and a way to remember Emmett,” Mrs Pentland said.
“My three children received a sibling gift that they still love and cherish. Through my advocacy I would like to ensure that all families are cared for during those tragic times.”
Beyond the Rainbow founder, Mrs Butler, said what started off as small gesture in honour of my daughter Amelia, Beyond the Rainbow has evolved and grown thanks to my entire board and amazing Tasmanian community.
“Our goal from the start was to provide bereaved families with a box that is resourceful and supportive, fitted with items that families will use to create precious memories in one of their darkest moments and to cherish forever,” Mrs Butler said.
“The support from the Tasmanian Government is incredible and will make a huge difference to the bereaved community. These funds will allow us to continue supporting grieving families and help them feel less alone.”
Media release – independent Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland, 20 May 2025
STATE GOVERNMENT BACKS BEYOND THE RAINBOW WITH FUNDING BOOST
Independent Member for Bass Rebekah Pentland has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s decision to invest in Beyond the Rainbow, a Tasmanian charity providing vital support to families grieving the loss of a baby.
The Government will provide $132,000 over two years to support the delivery of care packages for bereaved families, create local support groups, and expand education for health professionals across Tasmania.
“This funding will make an extraordinary difference to families experiencing unimaginable loss, I know firsthand the pain of losing a child, and I know how much it matters to be met with care, dignity and understanding.” Mrs Pentland said.
Founded by Collette Butler after the death of her daughter Amelia in 2020, Beyond the Rainbow has grown from a personal act of compassion into a statewide service. Since early 2024, the organisation has provided over 200 care boxes and 58 sibling packs across all major Tasmanian hospitals.
“This is more than just funding for boxes, it’s recognition that grief should not be faced alone.
“These boxes are filled with compassion. They remind families that someone sees their pain, someone remembers their baby, and someone cares. They helped me and my family, and now they’ll help hundreds more.
Mrs Pentland praised Premier Jeremy Rockliff for listening to her budget submission and acknowledging the need for better bereavement care.
“The Premier has done the right thing. He’s shown leadership, he’s shown heart, and I thank him for hearing this call.”
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