Women's Health Goulburn North East

Today, 21st June, is World Localisation Day, which recognises the value of local people contributing to the creation sustainable local communities.

WHGNE is excited to launch the 2024 issue of our annual online magazine marking the day, this year titled Nourishing our community: Local food, local people.

Inside you'll find a smorgasbord of inspiring stories about people and communities coming together to connect, share a love of gardening and fresh food and create sustainable, ecological communities and economies.

Have a read - follow the link below.

https://www.whealth.com.au/research/nourishing-our-community-a-world-localisation-day-magazine-2024/

Register your interest for our Women Gathering 2024 workshops now!

If you run (or would like to run) a woman focused group, these sessions are for you. Any kind of group that brings women together to connect, learn or share interest is welcome to come and receive training and a toolkit to gain new skills in group facilitation.

Our first workshop is from 10am-2pm on 7 August in Wangaratta, but if you can't make it still register your interest as we will be running more workshops in the coming months!

Register your interest now: https://www.whealth.com.au/news/women-gathering-facilitation-training/

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Today, and every day, stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people in our society.

It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent elder abuse and call out ageism when we see it.

To learn more about World Elder Abuse Awareness day, follow the link below to read our latest blog.

https://www.whealth.com.au/research/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/

Pride Month is a time to celebrate, reflect and take action to ensure the hard-won rights of the LGBTIQA+ community are valued and affirmed as essential to an equal, just and safe Australia.

People outside the LGBTQIA+ community are invited to celebrate the month and engage with important issues as friends and allies. The importance of equal rights and celebrating humanity in all its diversity is relevant to all of us, and so let's all celebrate Pride Month and commit to boosting the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Here are some tips from Minus18 on how to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community: https://www.minus18.org.au/articles/how-to-be-an-active-lgbtqia+-ally

You can sign up for our Women Gathering 2024 workshops right now!

Do you want to run a women-oriented group in your community? It could be a gardening group, a group to teach computer literacy, a social connections group or even a book club. Any group that brings women together to connect, learn or share interests is welcome.

Follow the link below to find out more. The first session is from 10am-2pm on 7 August in Wangaratta, but there will be more sessions later this year!

https://www.whealth.com.au/news/women-gathering-facilitation-training/

Happy pride month to everyone across the Goulburn North East region!

Pride Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate all the ways that the LGBTQIA+ community have contributed to a brighter future for all of us.

Keep an eye out for events happening across the Goulburn Valley and Northern Victoria throughout June.

Here are some links to local events in our region:

https://gvpride.org/events

https://www.linewangaratta.org/upcoming-events

Goulburn Valley Pride Shepparton, LINE Wangaratta

On the 3rd of June 1992, the High Court passed Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legal challenge to the fallacy of Terra Nullius. Decades on, we celebrate Mabo's legacy on this day. Remembering Mabo and Native Title reminds us that we cannot rest on our achievements.

The rights of First Nations people to hunt, fish and conduct cultural practices on the land can and has been extinguished through legal challenges. The need to continually build on work towards improving equity and justice, and strengthening legal protection of the rights of Australia's First People are reflected in this year's Reconciliation Week theme ‘Now More Than Ever’,

Today we honour the incredible work of Eddie Koiki Mabo, and acknowledge that whatever our setbacks or achievements, we cannot let momentum stall on working towards justice, equity and Reconciliation.

To learn more, follow the links below:

Reconciliation Australia - https://www.reconciliation.org.au/commemorating-mabo-day/

TEDx talk by activist and lawyer Taylah Gray - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-03ZUTyS5w

Expressions of interest are now open for Women Gathering 2024 workshop facilitation training sessions!

If you run a group or would like to, this session is for you.
Your group can be around anything that brings women together to connect, learn or share interests.

Do you want to run a women’s gardening group? A group to develop leadership or computer literacy skills? A group for women who feel isolated to connect socially?

The first Women Gathering workshop facilitation training session will be held from 10am-2pm on 17 July in Wangaratta.

Participants will receive training and a toolkit to gain new skills in group facilitation. If you can not make the session in July, we’d still love to hear from you – there will be further sessions later in the year.

Register your interest now.

https://www.whealth.com.au/news/women-gathering-facilitation-training/

The prevention of gender-based violence is a collective, society wide responsibility. As individuals, there are many ways we can contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence, including equipping our children and young people - especially boys and young men - with the skills to navigate their social and romantic relationships with empathy and emotional intelligence. Instead of using phrases like ‘boys will be boys’ to excuse aggressive behaviour, we can teach children about the importance of consent and bodily autonomy.

We must empower boys and young men to express emotion without fear of ridicule, and enable children to process rejection and frustration without lashing out. We should always encourage children to express themselves without fear of being judged on how it correlates to their gender. We must listen and value the voices of people of all genders to ensure they feel heard, and that their contribution is valued. It is crucial that we take steps to ensure that young people understand how to evaluate media content with critical thinking.

And of course, we must always challenge or point out s*xism and disrespect when we encounter it, and model respectful, equal relationships to our children.

Follow the link below to learn more about how we can support our boys to reach their full potential and reject the influence of harmful gender stereotypes.

https://jss.org.au/news-and-media/our-stories/raising-sons-to-embrace-healthy-positive-masculinity/

Jesuit Social Services

This week is National Reconciliation Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Now More Than Ever’. Reconciliation is a process that must include us all. Set-backs and challenges only serve to demonstrate the ongoing, collaborative effort required to achieve a truly fair and just Australia.

We can all actively support First Nations-led initiatives with our voices and our democratic power, including the progress of Treaty in Victoria and revisiting the recommendations to come out of the Yoorook Justice Commission. The pursuit of healing and justice must be prioritised in the national consciousness, for all Australians to grow together towards a brighter future.

Now, more than ever, we must push for equality and reconciliation.

Follow the link below to learn more about Reconciliation Week.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

And use these links to find an event going on near you.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=845395257624420&set=a.559185076245441
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation

Today is National Sorry Day, and today and every day we acknowledge and remember the harms colonisation, The Stolen Generation and ongoing discrimination have caused First Nations people and we say sorry. We also acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation survivors, who have managed to live through horrific and inexcusable events.

We are committed to working towards a community free of racism and discrimination and are dedicated to elevating and supporting First Nations voices. First Nations people should be involved in all levels of decision making, from the community level to the federal level.

WHGNE understand that saying sorry is just the beginning and we will continue to work towards First Nations wellbeing and justice.

At school, Victorian kids and teenagers learn about respectful relationships. Messages about respect, consent and recognising ‘red’ and ‘green’ relationship flags need to be reinforced within various settings, and by parents, carers or other positive influences in a young person’s life.

Teaching children and teens of all genders about healthy attitudes and behaviours in relationships is important but also potentially daunting for parents and carers.

Recognising whether a teen is at risk of intimate partner violence is also crucial to ensuring we empower young people with the resources to feel safe.

Carmel Hobbs’ article published by The Conversation is a great place for parents and carers to learn about teens and intimate partner violence. There are potential red flags to watch out for, links to further research and advice on how to foster open communication around these topics.

Follow the link below to learn more.

https://theconversation.com/heres-how-you-can-talk-to-your-kids-about-gendered-violence-and-7-ways-to-model-good-behaviour-228898

The right of women and girls to live a life free from violence is a global issue.

Heightened media attention around gender-based violence in Australia has been both devastating in its content and galvanising in its power to spur united action.

But how do we contribute to change when we see the equally devastating news of the impacts of violence on women living through war?

Our leaders can be influenced to make policy decisions that oppose gender-based violence and war. We can call on our leaders to put people first.

You can read WHGNE’s reflection on global conflict, gender-based violence and collective responsibility by checking out our blog: https://www.whealth.com.au/research/womens-safety-in-a-global-context/

Despite ongoing progress, homophobia, biphobia, interphobia and transphobia are still barriers to accessing s*xual and reproductive health services.

Healthcare that is affirming, free from discrimination and prejudice is a human right.

Make your service more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community. This effort can go a long way in supporting the health of the LGBTQIA+ community, and challenging discriminatory practices in healthcare.

Gender-based violence is not inevitable, and preventing it requires systemic and social change.

Gender-based violence is a significant factor in determining women’s health, wellbeing and safety. Health promotion plays a huge part in spreading understanding about how to support people and institutions to make this change.

We are all responsible for preventing gender-based violence through words and actions, through the attitudes we condone and the interpersonal behaviour we model to young people. We must empower girls and women to enjoy safety and independence, and support boys and men to foster healthy masculinities. This starts in early childhood through family, school and social settings and must continue in the workplace and community.

To read more about the prevention of gender-based violence, check out our website through the link below.

https://www.whealth.com.au/news/16-days-of-activism-to-highlight-prevention-in-action-in-northeast-victoria-and-the-goulburn-valley/

On 16 May, WHGNE and Australia reMADE are launching the "Care through Disaster - in practice" toolkit. If you are a professional working in policy, advocacy, government and community outreach you should attend this launch.

Learn how to care through disaster in this free, informative online launch presented by WHGNE and Australia reMADE, along with a panel of interesting and insightful guests.

Register for your free Zoom link and join us on Thursday 16 May from 1-2pm.

https://www.whealth.com.au/events/care-through-disaster-in-practice/

Australia reMADE

WHGNE and Australia reMADE are proud to be launching the “Care through Disaster – in practice” toolkit. This launch is essential for professionals in policy, advocacy, government and community outreach to understand how to put Care through Disaster.

Join the free, online launch through the link below, presented by WHGNE and Australia reMADE with a panel of interesting guests.

Register for your free Zoom link and join us on Thursday, 16 May from 1-2pm.

https://www.whealth.com.au/events/care-through-disaster-in-practice/

At the heart of Victoria’s progress in women’s health and equality lies the Victorian Women’s Health Services Network—12 dedicated services working under one unifying goal: to ensure every woman in Victoria is healthy, well, and equal.

Our network’s strength comes from a shared commitment to health promotion and primary prevention, addressing complex societal issues through a coordinated, place-based approach. Learn about the impactful work we’re doing and how it’s making a difference in communities across the state.

Join our movement towards a healthier, more equitable Victoria.

https://www.whsn.org.au/

WHGNE are thrilled to announce, in collaboration with Australia reMADE, the launch of the “Care through Disaster - in practice” toolkit.

Drawing from the “Care through Disaster” findings, the toolkit is made for leaders, from citizen to the state and will be presented by WHGNE and Australia reMADE. Learn the actions we can take as citizens, community organisations, as well as local, state and federal government — to build a new infrastructure of care and set communities up to thrive.

Register for your free Zoom link and attend the online launch on Thursday 16 May from 1-2pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAldu6spzorGdTA157AUBldkS0cBSylApXW #/registration

Lived experience data is so important to ensure community perspectives are considered in research and decision making.

Researchers from several universities, funded through the Natural Hazards Researchers Australia have been collecting community experiences of the 2022/2023 floods that impacted areas including northeast Victoria.

If you have a perspective to contribute, or would like more information, follow the link below.

Community experiences of the 2022/23 floods in Victoria, South Australia, and SW New South Wales This survey is open to anyone (18+) who experienced flooding in VIC, SA, or SW NSW in the period August 2022 to March 2023. It is part of an independent social research study funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and supported by the State Emergency Services in SA, VIC and NSW. Results will b...

Swipe through to see how investing in women's health services goes beyond moral duty — it's a wise economic decision for Victoria. Your support helps maintain the momentum.

https://www.whealth.com.au/research/gender-inequality-is-bad-for-our-health/

https://www.whsn.org.au/an-economic-case

Victorian Department of Health, Women's Health Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, Cindy McLeish MP, Annabelle Cleeland MP, Bill Tilley MP, Kim O’Keeffe MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC, Gaelle Broad MP, Georgie Purcell - Animal Justice Party MP, Wendy Lovell MP, Victorian Government News.

Accessing s*xual and reproductive health services in rural and regional areas can present additional challenges. Travel, cost and continuity of care are all factors in determining women’s access to healthcare in rural Victoria. We believe that no matter where you live, you should have quality access to s*xual and reproductive health services.

To learn more about the barriers and solutions to improving s*xual and reproductive health in regional Victoria, head to our website and read our latest blog.

Latest blog: https://www.whealth.com.au/research/long-story-short-videos-regional-access-to-s*xual-and-reproductive-health-care/

Learn more about our work here: https://www.whsn.org.au/blog/spotlight-on-womens-health-goulburn-north-east

WHGNE is developing a policy position on housing informed by what we have heard from people in the Goulburn North East region.

Housing is a social determinant of health and the availability of affordable, climate safe housing has a significant impact on health and wellbeing outcomes.

We look forward to sharing our recommendations with the community in the coming months and providing a snapshot of community perspectives about housing in the Goulburn North East area.

Happy le***an visibility week to people across regional Victoria, and the rest of Australia. This week, and every week we must celebrate the power of sisterhood and uplift incredible LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people from every generation.

We are proud of the wonderful people in this community.

Women from across regional Victoria have told us they need access to easily understood information about s*xual and reproductive health and services. Women want to be able to understand and interpret information about their health and to be offered referral pathways when needed. Interpreting services and accessible information should be available for anyone seeking assistance with s*xual and reproductive health.

Check out our plain language guides around s*xual and reproductive health through the link below: https://www.whealth.com.au/research/straightforward-guides-to-s*xual-and-reproductive-health/

Learn more about our work here: https://www.whsn.org.au/blog/spotlight-on-womens-health-goulburn-north-east

In Victoria, gender inequality isn't just a social issue—it's an economic one. The ripple effects of this systemic issue impacts everyone, resulting in poor health outcomes for women, increased family violence, and gaps in workforce participation.

Yet, there's a silver lining. The 12 Victorian Women's Health Services are pioneering change with best-practice models recognised worldwide. Our proactive approach to women’s health is not only improving lives but also enhancing economic growth by reducing healthcare expenditures and increasing productivity.

Let's build on the evidence and sustain initiatives driving us towards equality. Together, we can foster a healthier, more prosperous Victoria for all.

Jaclyn Symes Cindy McLeish MP Annabelle Cleeland MP Bill Tilley MP Kim O’Keeffe MP Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC Gaelle Broad MP Georgie Purcell - Animal Justice Party MP Wendy Lovell MP Tim McCurdy Victorian Government News




https://www.whsn.org.au/an-economic-case

Housing equality should be on the mind of every decision maker in Australia. Housing security and stable living environments disproportionately impact women, who are more likely to rent than men, less likely to benefit from house ownership and intergenerational wealth and are more likely to have their housing situation threatened by gender-based violence.

Many women are made to make an unthinkable choice between living with gender-based violence or being homeless.

To read more about gender inequality in the housing system follow the link below.
https://percapita.org.au/blog/our_work/glass-ceilings-gendered-inequality-in-the-housing-system-the-australian-housing-monitor-report-2/

We have been talking to people around our region about what good s*xual and reproductive health looks like. Consistently we have heard about the importance of feeling comfortable, safe and confident when communicating about reproductive care. It is incredibly important we foster a culture of equity, respect and s*x positivity when talking about s*xual and reproductive health in our health care system.

Listening to women’s stories and valuing their lived experience is a part of this effort to improve the health care system.

Check out this inquiry the Victorian Government is doing into women’s pain. We encourage you to share your experiences with health care and make the system a safer and more comfortable place for women.

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/inquiry-into-womens-pain-submissions