OMEP WA President, Dr. Dawn Butterworth passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2025.
Dawn’s enthusiasm, energy, and lifelong dedication to the care and wellbeing of young children have been an inspiration to all who knew her. Since graduating as a Kindergarten Teacher, she never ceased working for children in Western Australia and across the world. Her academic achievements, culminating in a PhD from the University of Western Australia, spanned early childhood education, the arts, and special needs.
In the 1970s, Dawn and a colleague pioneered the first full-time preschool education program for five-year-old children in Western Australia—well before such opportunities became the norm in schools. She lectured at Edith Cowan University and held senior positions in the Early Childhood program at the University, while also fulfilling teaching fellowships in China, Malaysia, Korea, and Thailand.
Her research into gender equity, the role of fathers, childcare, hospitalisation, and family violence earned her numerous awards and recognition. For example, in 2013 Dawn was awarded the WA Volunteer of the Year, followed in 2016 with an Order of Australia for her work supporting early childhood education and women’s rights. Dawn’s leadership extended beyond OMEP WA, where she served as President and National Director of OMEP Australia. She was also President of the National Council of Women WA, a member of the Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare, and a consultant to many community organisations.
Dawn’s tireless volunteer work—whether as a “helping teacher” at Princess Margaret’s Children’s Hospital, supporting Communicare, or serving on the board of Kwinana Early Years Services or supporting teachers in Papua New Guinea —reflected her boundless commitment to children, families, and the wider community. She was the life blood of OMEP WA, constantly alerting us to worthwhile projects, encouraging us to sponsor events, and organising us to carry them out.
Her contribution to education and society is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dawn’s family, friends, and all who knew her. She will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and love.
