MEDIA RELEASE
September 11, 2025

Carers of people living with an eating disorder will join Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride, local health professionals, and national experts today at a landmark Northern Territory roundtable in Darwin. 

Hosted by Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP and coordinated by Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) – the nation’s only organisation dedicated exclusively to supporting, educating and empowering eating disorder carers – the roundtable will explore how to strengthen vital support for people living with an eating disorder and their families.   

The roundtable aims to bring together frontline practitioners, carers, and system leaders to identify practical solutions to strengthen the Northern Territory’s eating disorder system, workforce, and service integration, while also recognising the progress already being made. 

EDFA Executive Director Jane Rowan described the event as a watershed moment – an opportunity to amplify critical issues facing the eating disorder sector nationally, while advancing much-needed support for carers across the Northern Territory.  

“This roundtable will help shape EDFA’s ongoing advocacy to improve carer support services nationally, while ensuring eating disorder carers in the Northern Territory are not left behind,” Ms Rowan said. 

“Eating disorders are a major national health issue, affecting more than one million Australians. Yet the sector remains severely underfunded and under-recognised by governments across the country.  

“That’s why it is so encouraging to see Federal politicians standing alongside carers and local stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, to support this important event. Together, we can build a stronger system of care and give families the hope and tools they need.”  

Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP said: “I am delighted to host this event and bring a Territory focus on people living with an eating disorder and their families. It is important to appreciate the work already being done and identify ways we can improve support recognising the challenges in the Territory.”  

Event Details: 

What: Northern Territory Eating Disorder Roundtable  

When: Thursday, September 11, 2025, 9:00am ACST 

Where: Anglicare NT, Injalak Room, 60 Winnellie Road, Winnellie  

Who: Hosted by Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling MP with attendance by: 

• Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride MP 

• Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) Executive Director Jane Rowan 

• National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) National Director Dr Sarah Trobe 

• Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) CEO Jade Gooding (online) 

• Health professionals, eating disorder carers and community groups  

About eating disorders and EDFA  

In 2023, 4.45% of Australians had an eating disorder diagnosis, equating to 1.1 million Australians, meaning at least 4.4 million Australians are impacted by an eating disorder. Most diagnoses occur during adolescence, with highest rates in those aged 15-19. Women are disproportionally affected, accounting for two-thirds of eating disorder diagnoses.   

There are extensive social and economic costs associated with eating disorders. In 2023, the total economic and social cost of eating disorders in Australia was $67 billion, up 36% since 2012, and equivalent to $60,654 per person with an eating disorder.  

EDFA is the only national organisation providing support, education, advocacy and counselling services solely to carers and families of those living with an eating disorder. Established in 2016, EDFA currently has more than 3,000 members and has helped hundreds of carers and families over the years.    

Media Contact: EDFA National Marketing and Communications Manager Tracey Adamson on 0475 612 314