Women's Health Grampians

The Victorian Women’s Health Services Network (WHSN) is proud to release its new report, "Small Change, Big Impact: Two Years On," showcasing two years of progress in advancing women’s health and gender equality across Victoria.

With additional funding, we've expanded our reach, strengthened partnerships, and driven systemic change across five priority areas: gender equality, violence prevention, reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and social equity.

“We welcome the continuation of funding to improve women’s health and equality outcomes," says Adele Murdolo, Chair, Women's Health Network.

“However, sustained investment is vital to achieving long-term change," adds Kate Graham, Deputy Chair.

Read the full report and learn more about our impact: https://www.whsn.org.au/evaluation-report-2024


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No better way to celebrate World S*xual Health Day than with 1800 My Options 2024 SEXtember zine, out today! It's a terrific read, with heaps of stories, advice and info on all things s*xual health.
Find it here: https://tinyurl.com/9fhdwepy

Happy World S*xual Health Day!!

Welcome to the 2024 SEXtember zine https://tinyurl.com/9fhdwepy

This year we are excited to have this gorgeous artwork from Camilla Paz as our front cover. Camilla is a Chilean artist who relocated to Australia. Their work explores themes of identity and the unifying bonds between people across borders, catalyzed by the transformative experience of migration.

This year’s zine is jam packed with a bunch of SRH stuff including:

💜 S*xting 101
💜 Contraceptive implant stories
💜 Period trivia
💜 S*x education reflections of four q***r women
💜 Responding to disclosures of s*xual violence
💜 Interview with a s*xual health nurse

And much more!

A huge thanks to all our amazing contributors (including our many generous, anonymous contributors) including:

Cancer Council Victoria
The Molly Institute - DjäkamirrtTeam
GenWest
Gippsland Women's Health
WHIN - Women's Health in the North
The STOP Campaign
Swan Hill District Health
Share the Dignity
Dr Maddie Spicer

*xtember *xtemberZine
*xualAndReproductiveHealth
*xPositive *xualViolence

[Image description: A single purple and pink tile with the 1800 My Options SEXtember zine cover of a person with red hair, green lips and green nails in a blue tanktop, holding a sign that reads: “My Body My Rules” on a green, blue and mustard brown background. Text: “SEXtember: a s*xual and reproductive health zine 2024. Available Now.” 1800 My Options logo in the top right corner.]

Some great First Nations author and poet recommendations from Victorian Women's Trust on Indigenous Literacy Day. Find out more about the day and what it means here: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/ild

We were delighted to be part of the official launch of the 'Safe & Inclusive Sport: preventing gender-based violence' guide alongside the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Vicki Ward, yesterday.

The guide provides strategies to help organisations support local sports clubs, leagues and associations to build and strengthen safe, inclusive and respectful cultures. The resource also includes examples of partnerships and projects that are currently driving cultural change and contributing to the prevention of gender-based violence in workplace and sport settings.

This includes Champions of the West, an established community education program led by GenWest in partnership with Women's Health Grampians, the Western Bulldogs Football Club, and the Western Football Netball League.

Sport is SO important to our regional communities, and can play an important role in modelling inclusive, welcoming, community attitudes.

Download the guide here: https://sport.vic.gov.au/resources/safe-and-inclusive-sport-preventing-gender-based-violence
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
Western Football Netball League

Position vacant! The Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee (CHIFVC) is in need of an Administration and Project Officer.

This position provides project support to the Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee (CHIFVC) and its Principal Strategic Advisor. The successful applicant will develop and maintain effective communications within CHIFVC and with wider stakeholders, support the collection and presentation of relevant data and resources, and contribute to a positive workplace culture with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.

The role is 0.8EFT fixed-term until June 2025, Ballarat based with some travel.
Applications close 15 September 2024.

Applications MUST address the selection criteria.

Full details and position description available on our website: https://whg.org.au/about/positions-vacant/

Happy Wear It Purple Day! Today we wear purple to show support for our rainbow young people. We want you all to feel safe, connected, valued and free. And we're doing our best to help make that happen.

Did you know Wear it Purple Day was founded by two Australian students? Find out more about Wear It Purple Day here: https://www.wearitpurple.org/our-story

Your Passion Your Pride artwork by Nicholas Tsekouras

1800 My Options with their (evidence-based) finger on the pulse of the cost-of-living crisis 👌

1800 My Options is a confidential and free phone line and online service, giving you information about contraception, pregnancy options (including abortion) and s*xual health. If you're not sure, need help, or don't know what services are available are in your area, give them a call.

PSA: Save your money and get the cheaper one. There is no evidence that the more expensive digital home pregnancy tests are more sensitive or accurate.




[Single pink themed tile with graphics images of 4 different home pregnancy tests with separate prices. $39.99, $20, $15.30, $3.33. Next to this is artwork of the back of a person's head with a thought bubble reading “which pregnancy test should I get”). The 1800 My Options logo is in the top right corner].

We stand with those who are appalled at the Government's decision not to include LGBTQIA+ data questions in the next census. Population data is the basis of sound health and wellbeing policy and service delivery. The LGBTQIA+ community broadly experiences high rates of poor health, suicidality, family violence and discrimination, and community has been asking for disaggregated population data for decades to help address these challenges.
LGBTQIA+ communities should be reflected in a census that purports to be the 'most comprehensive snapshot of the country' and one that 'tells the story of how we are changing'. We are deeply disappointed by this decision to erase a whole section of our vibrant and diverse regional population.

The Census is one of Australia’s most important studies, not only because it provides a snapshot of our whole population, but also because having data and evidence about our community underpins robust government decision making, policy, services and investment.

The decision not to include questions about gender identity or s*xuality in the 2026 Census means Australia will continue to have data gaps in relation to LGBTIQ+ people, and also contributes to LGBTIQ+ people feeling invisible in our community.

Our Watch has an important partnership with Rainbow Health Australia as part of developing a new national framework to prevent violence against LGBTIQ+ people and communities. Through this partnership, we strive to support more people to understand and take action to prevent violence against LGBTIQ+ people.

Including questions about gender identity and s*xuality in the Census would help us better understand the drivers of gender-based violence for LGBTIQ+ people, and would help improve the design of services and resources for these communities.
Good data means better outcomes for all of us.

[Alt: White text on a navy background: The importance of LGBTIQ+ data in primary prevention efforts. A green illustration of a rainbow in the bottom left corner.]

Footy-loving Ararat area women and girls - head along to the Storm info session and make it happen! Full details in post below.

Attention all women and girls in the Ararat area who may like to play football in 2025

"We must break out of this perpetual cycle of inquiries, submissions and hearings which produce recommendations in reports that sit in government offices gathering dust."

Powerful words in The Guardian from Djirra's Antoinette Braybrook in the wake of the Inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children.

The report can be downloaded here. Warning, it is difficult and distressing reading. Aboriginal woman in need of support can call the wonderful team at Djirra on 1800 DJIRRA (1800 105 303) 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. 13 YARN (13 92 76) is available 24/7. https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportsen/RB000085/toc_pdf/MissingandmurderedFirstNationswomenandchildren.pdf

Djirra CEO and Change the Record Co-Chair Antoinette Braybrook has shared a powerful opinion piece in The Guardian today, following release of the Missing and murdered First Nations women and children inquiry report.

🖤💛❤️

“Much of what we said to this inquiry – to every inquiry and committee – is not new,” writes Antoinette.

“For many, many years we have been highlighting the same issues, the same systemic racism and targeting of our people on one hand, and on the other repeating the same proven self-determined solutions that will bring change.”

“But are those in power listening to us?”

“Now more than ever we are looking to all political leaders – regardless of party – for urgent action and change that puts our women’s and children’s safety first.”

Change the Record

🔗 https://bit.ly/3WSlVvn

Antoinette Braybrook

Wonderful to see gender diversity representation for endometriosis! Congratulations to Max and Endometriosis Australia.

Find out more about all things endo at: https://endometriosisaustralia.org/

We’re thrilled to announce Max Jahufer as the newest ambassador!

Max (he/him) is a multifaceted artist and visionary, whose vibrant journey began in Lisbon, Portugal. With a rich blend of influences from his Sri Lankan father and Portuguese mother, Max has captivated audiences as a singer, actor, writer, and the dynamic Director and Founder of FutureStudio in Melbourne.

From his breakthrough on The X Factor in 2010 to his recent triumphs in writing and acting, including his impactful role in the film A Savage Christmas, Max has continuously broken barriers and championed authentic representation. His dedication to inclusivity and his fearless approach to his art are truly inspiring.

Max's personal journey with endometriosis began in his early years and intensified after his transition. Diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, he has faced immense challenges with grace and resilience. His experience with the disease, coupled with his transition, has deepened his empathy and fuelled his drive to advocate for better healthcare and awareness, especially within the LGBTQI+ community.

Welcome to the team, Max!

Click here to read more about our newest Ambassador, Max: https://endometriosisaustralia.org/our-people/ambassadors/max-jahufer/

Having just marked Equal Pay Day, now might be a good time to revisit our 2024 International Women's Day CoRE Conversation on understanding and closing the gender pay gap. Check out the full recording on our Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPVxge57GDA&t=7s

For more information on CoRE, check out our website.

CoRE Conversation - Understanding and Closing the Gender Pay Gap - 04.03.24 Latest private sector gender pay gap data here: https://www.wgea.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Employer%20Gender%20Pay%20Gaps%20Snapshot_FINAL_1.pdfDa...

Fifty extra days - that's how many days in a year women would have to work to receive equal pay to men.

The national gender pay gap measures the difference between the average weekly full-time base salary earnings of women and men, expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings. It is a measure of women’s overall position in the paid workforce and does not compare like roles.

WGEA research has identified three main contributors to Australia’s gender pay gap:

- gender discrimination (36%)
- care, family responsibilities and workforce participation (33%),
- gender segregation by job type and industry (24%)

Find out more here: https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender/equal-pay-day-2024

Q***r and gender diverse people with an interest in representing their communities at a Local Government level might be interested in attending a special Stand for Council event this coming Monday, 19th August. Diverse Councils mean more experiences are reflected in policies and decisions that benefit us all. The event is run by the Municipal Association of Victoria and is both in person and online.

Date: Monday, August 19, 2024
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:15 PM
Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79/81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda but also will be broadcast online (register for the link)
Registration: https://www.mav.asn.au/stand.../lgbtiqa-stand-for-council
More information: https://www.mav.asn.au/stand.../lgbtiqa-stand-for-council

Calling all LGBTIQA+ candidates 🏳️‍🌈📣

Rainbow Local Government (Victorian Pride Lobby) and MAV have partnered together to hold a special Stand for Council session for people from LGBTIQA+ communities.

We’ve now made this session hybrid to ensure regional and rural community members can tune in and also get informed on the role of council and what is involved in being a councillor, while also hearing from our four speakers/panellists:
🌈 Rodney Croome AM
🌈 Steph Amir
🌈 Jan Farrell GAICD
🌈 Steve Staikos

📅Monday 19 August
⏰5:45pm for a 6:00pm start – 8:15pm
📍 Victorian Pride Centre, 79/81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda or online

https://www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024/lgbtiqa-stand-for-council

Our hard-working S*xual and Reproductive Health Team presented findings from Tell Your Story at the Reproductive Rights and Abortion Conference 2024 in QLD last week. There was a lot of interest from attendees in the project, and it's great to see our place-based qualitative work resonating with regional practitioners and health workers all over the country. Big thanks to Children by Choice Association Inc for another great conference! Steph and Shannon are buzzing with new ideas, information and connections to bring back to the Grampians region.

Find out more about Tell Your Story on our website: https://whg.org.au/our-work/s*xual-reproductive-health/

What a wonderful story from ABC Wimmera about women sharing knowlege and skills at the recent Horsham Neighbourhood House hosted Power Tools Workshop! Knowledge is definitely power, regardless of age 🔨

Older women living alone 'empowered' as they learn to use power tools like a pro Do you know your way around a power drill? These women never had a chance to learn, but they're making up for lost time and it's helping them stay independent.

headspace Ballarat, HEY (Healthy Equal Youth) Project, and LGBTIQA+ & Ally Youth Ball is coming up on 23 August!

Get your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/lgbtiqa-winter-ball-2024

Are you interested in gender equality, violence prevention and s*xual and reproductive heath promotion in the Grampians region? Want to keep up with our work and see what some of our committed partners are up to? Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletters! There's always A LOT going on. Our Winter edition is almost ready to go, so now's the time: https://tinyurl.com/2tn64mex

If you have a cervix, you need to get it screened - and for most people it's a lot easier and less intrusive than it used to be! Ask about self collection next time you book a cervical screen/pap test. Quick, easy, private and pain-free.

Find a provider: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cervical-screening-test/where.asp

Not to be missed - an In Conversation with Thomas Mayo in Ballarat coming up on August 13th. Moderated by Deb Lowah Clark, Sheree Lowe and Professor Andrew Gunstone will also be contributing. Free and open to everyone.

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Assistant Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia and an award-winning author of seven best-selling books. His latest book will be released on 3 September 2024 – “Always was, Always will be: The campaign for Justice and Recognition continues”. Sheree Lowe is a Gunditjmara, Peek Whurrong, Djab Whurrung, Kirrae Whurrung woman, born and raised and continues to live in Ballarat on Wadawurrung lands. She is a Member for the South West Region of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. Deb Lowah Clark is a proud Meriam woman with ancestral and family ties to Mer Island and Moa Island in the Torres Straits. Born in regional Victoria, Deb, by qualification, is an educator who works in educational leadership. Professor Gunstone is Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University, where he established and leads the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice. He is also the Co-Chair for Reconciliation Victoria.

Venue: Theatre T001, SMB Campus, Federation University, 107 Lydiard Street, South Ballarat Central
Date: 13 August 2024
Time: 5.30-7.30pm (refreshments from 5.30pm)
Register: https://shorturl.at/Q9SIC

The National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice warmly invites you to a conversation with Thomas Mayo, Sheree Lowe, and Andrew Gunstone, moderated by Deb Lowah Clark

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Assistant Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia and an award-winning author of seven best-selling books. His latest book will be released on 3 September 2024 – “Always was, Always will be: The campaign for Justice and Recognition continues”.

Sheree Lowe is a Gunditjmara, Peek Whurrong, Djab Whurrung, Kirrae Whurrung woman, born and raised and continues to live in Ballarat on Wadawurrung lands. She is a Member for the South West Region of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Deb Lowah Clark is a proud Meriam woman with ancestral and family ties to Mer Island and Moa Island in the Torres Straits. Born in regional Victoria, Deb, by qualification, is an educator who works in educational leadership.

Andrew Gunstone is Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University, where he established and leads the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice. Andrew is also Co-Chair Reconciliation

Venue: Theatre T001, SMB Campus, Federation University, 107 Lydiard Street, South Ballarat Central
Date: 13 August 2024
Time: 5.30-7.30pm (refreshments from 5.30pm)
Register: https://shorturl.at/Q9SIC

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is coming up - come along and celebrate at Ballarat Library this Friday! All welcome 🖤💛❤️

Celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2024.

The City of Ballarat's Libraries, Parent Place and Reconciliation staff are working with the Department of Education and BADAC on this event on Friday 2nd August.

Our Watch giving us hope for a future free from violence

Work has already begun on The Victorian Government's Ballarat saturation model, a highly focused four-year place-based project to prevent violence against women. We are looking forward to working closely alongside Respect Victoria and our committed CoRE partners to co-develop the design process.

To find out more and/or sign up for regular updates, head to the Respect Victoria website: www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/ballarat-community-saturation-model

Ballarat community saturation model | Respect Victoria The Ballarat community saturation model is a new approach that uses place-based, community-led approaches to prevent gender-based violence.

There are still seven days left to contribute to the Inquiry into Women's Pain.

The Inquiry wants to hear from women and gender diverse people (incl. AFAB, AMAB and inters*x) about their experiences of pain and pain care, treatment or service that they have had in Victoria. It also includes the experiences of healthcare workers who have worked with women and girls with pain. This could be pain from an injury or trauma, dental pain, joint pain, or musculoskeletal pain. It can also be related to heart, neurological, reproductive, autoimmune or other health conditions over your lifetime.

Inquiry into Women’s Pain Survey Women face real and enduring challenges when seeking care and support for pain. We want this to change, and our first step is to ask you about it.

We are pleased to welcome ACE Training and Multiskills Training as new members of our CoRE Alliance! ACE Training has also signed up to the Act on Site Program, a great fit for an organisation that is a Registered Training Organisation specialising in construction, civil construction, high risk for licenses and heavy vehicle licenses.

ACE Group says: 'The ACE Group are committed to a diverse and welcoming workforce. Our students are our priority, and we are looking forward to developing strategies to bring more women into the industry.'

For our part we look forward to working with an enthusiastic team who are ready to play their part in creating a safe, respectful and equal society for everyone.
ACE Training - TOID 21716

Would you like to learn how to safely use common power tools? The Horsham Neighbourhood House with support from Horsham Rural City Council is running a terrific workshop for women by women on putting the power back in YOUR hands. Next Friday 26 July 2024 from 1pm - 4pm. Give them a call on 03 5382 5352 to register.

We recently had the privilege of attending the Transfemme Relaunch, celebrating a new suite of resources from Zoe Belle Gender Collective Inc’s vital, ground-breaking, and timely Transfemme project. In particular, we were delighted to hear more about a brand new practice guide: “Responding to the objectification, fetishisation and s*xual exploitation of trans women and trans feminine people by cisgender men: A Transfemme Practice Guide.”

The Transfemme project recognises both the unacceptably high rates of violence experienced by trans women, and the lack of support and information available for cis men who date trans women. Unsurprisingly, rates of intimate partner violence drop dramatically when both parties to a relationship are well informed and can rely on loving support and acceptance from their friends, family and community. We all have a role to play in creating environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued.

The Transfemme website content was created by the Zoe Belle Gender Collective in collaboration with a collective of Australian-based trans women and cis men who have experience in dating or are in relationships with trans women. It reflects a range of experiences, perspectives and beliefs, including from First Nations people, settlers, migrants, s*x workers, international students and refugee and asylum seekers.

Find out more at www.transfemme.com.au and https://zbgc.org.au/ (where you can also download the new Practice Guide)