History

The Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria has been providing information, support and hope to people whose lives are affected by an eating disorder since its inception in 1983. Operating initially as the Anorexia Nervosa Fellowship of Victoria, the organisation has evolved through name and premises changes, as well as developments in the field, to now employ 9 dedicated staff members and provide services and support across Victoria, as well as the provision of the Eating Disorders Helpline which receives close to 3000 calls per year. The day to day activities of Eating Disorders Victoria are ode to the tireless and generous efforts of over 80 committed volunteers. Below is a summary of the growth and changes that have taken place within the organisation and the field of eating disorders in Australia.

• 1983: Mental health professionals concerned with the incidence of eating disorders formed the Anorexia Nervosa Fellowship of Victoria as a sub-committee of the Victorian Association of Mental Health (VAMH). They were operating out of the VAMH premises in Camberwell.
• 1984: Bulimia Nervosa is officially recognised as an eating disorder. Sub-committee becomes the Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Fellowship of Victoria (ABNFV).
• 1987: The Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Fellowship of Victoria logo is designed by a recovered sufferer. It features a seagull flying out of a tunnel.
• 1988: Government funding allows the employment of a coordinator for 24 hours per week, making it the first paid staff member.
• 1989: Volunteers are recruited to assist with the provisions of the Helpline.
• 1990: Additional funding allows for the full time employment of one staff person.
• 1991: ABNFV relocates to its own premises at 1513 High Street, Glen Iris, VIC 3146. Incorporated is granted and the ABNFV becomes an autonomous organisation.
• 1992: The ABNFV instigates Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Awareness Week.
• 1995: National Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW) is held during the first week of September in partnership with the ABNFV’s sister organisations.
• 1996: The ABNFV provides a teacher training program – Eating Disorders and Body Image Dissatisfaction – with workshops in metropolitan and country venues. A kit and manual are developed by a consultant. Additional funding is secured, to allow the employment of a second staff member for four hours per week and expansion of premises to upstairs.
• 1998: A home page is set up on the internet.
• 2000: The ABNFV changes its name to The Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria (EDFV).
• 2004: The Eating Disorders Resource for Secondary Schools is launched, along with a professional development program for schools staff in eating disorders prevention, identification and early intervention.
• 2005: Three new roles are created - Family Support Officer; Education Officer; Administrative Support Officer
• 2006: The role of Public Relations & Communications Officer is created. ChatRoom & MessageBoard introduced.
• 2007: The role of Recovery Support Officer for people with an eating disorder is introduced.
• 2008: Family workshops introduced. New website launched. Renovation of office premises to make a more pleasant, more accessible environment for staff, volunteers and members of the public.