Women's Health Grampians

26/11/2025

A great turnout at St Arnaud yesterday for Northern Grampians Shire Council's Walk Against Violence! Nice to see schools taking part as well - our kids need to be part of the conversation around respect and equality. WHG's Masculinities Advisor Luke Baker spoke to the crowd, with feedback from attendees afterwards zeroing in on the impact family violence can have over a lifetime, including for impacted children. The right intervention at the right time can literally change the course of a life.

26/11/2025

An extraordinary result! Vaccination + regular screening means eliminating cervical cancer in Australia by 2035 is actually achievable, which would be a phenomenal public health success story. If you're overdue for a screen, book your appointment today. The self-collection option makes the procedure quick, easy, private and comfortable. And if you're a young person who may have missed your vaccination at school, talk your GP about catching up (this applies to boys as well). It's free and it could save your life, or the lives of your partners.

A new report shows Australia is on track to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.

The 2025 report, released this month, from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control confirms rates of cervical cancer among Australian women continue to fall.

In 2021, the national cervical cancer rate decreased to 6.3 per 100,000, compared to 6.6 per 100,000 in 2020.

However, for Indigenous women, the rate is higher at 11.7 per 100,000 in 2017-2021.

Furthermore, the proportion of people who are up-to-date with screening has now declined for the second consecutive year (2023 and 2024).

There are now more than 1 in 4 eligible women overdue for cervical screening.

“Australia’s early adoption of HPV vaccines for girls and young women and timely switch to cervical screening rather than Pap smears have us well on track to achieve elimination and save more lives,” says Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White in a media statement.

“But we must continue to improve equitable access to maintain rates of HPV vaccination and make sure everyone has access to cervical screening.”

26/11/2025

Everyone can do something to help eliminate gender based violence. Today we're asking, what's one thing I can do as an early years educator during Against Gender Based Violence in 2025?

Embrace diversity. Diverse representation of ways of being in the world can help instil empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diversity in our little ones. If we are exposed to different perspectives we can break down stereotypes and challenge discrimination wherever we come across it.

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Family violence support services Ballarat and district:
In an emergency call 000
The Orange Door in Central Highlands 1800 219 819
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (03) 5331 5344
WRISC Family Violence Support (03) 5333 3666
Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (03) 5320 3933
Cafs (03) 5337 3333
Berry Street (03) 5330 5000

Family violence support services Wimmera:
In an emergency call 000
The Orange Door in Horsham 1800 271 042
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (03) 5381 1211
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative (03) 5381 6333

25/11/2025

During 2025 we’re showing how everyone can play a role in eliminating gender based violence. It’s a community problem, and it’ll take a community effort to overcome. To get us going on day one, let's ask: what's one thing I can do as a high school teacher?

Kids are always learning, and the standard we set in the classroom matters. Shutting down hurtful comments teaches those students who are feeling belittled that there are allies everywhere. It can also help those making the comments to learn what is acceptable and what isn’t. Gain confidence in handling out of order comments by engaging in professional development around Respectful Relationships.

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Family violence support services Ballarat and district:

In an emergency call 000
The Orange Door in Central Highlands 1800 219 819
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (03) 5331 5344
WRISC Family Violence Support (03) 5333 3666
Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (03) 5320 3933
Cafs (03) 5337 3333
Berry Street (03) 5330 5000

Family violence support services Wimmera:

In an emergency call 000
The Orange Door in Horsham 1800 271 042
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (03) 5381 1211
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative (03) 5381 6333

25/11/2025

Our AGM plus regional launch of the Women's Health Services Network Impact Report 2025 last Friday was a resounding success. A room full of community members, partners, CoRE Alliance members, representatives from our sister services across the state, and committed passionate WHG staff all gathered to celebrate the work of the year that was, and the strength and value of the Women’s Health Services Network.

Thank you to Wotjobaluk woman Aunty Anne who Welcomed us so kindly to Country, and to Katherine Cape, WHG Board Chair, who opened proceedings.

We were honoured to welcome Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP , who spoke eloquently of the importance of improving healthcare access for women in regional Victoria. We also welcomed CEO of Women's Health Goulburn North East Mandy McDonald, CEO of Multicultural Centre for Women's Health Dr Adele Murdolo, CEO of Women's Health Victoria Sally Hasler and CEO of WHIN - Women's Health in the North Carolyn Gillespie – it’s rare that we get to catch up in person with our sister women’s health services!

The panel discussion comprised our own Jennie Courtney and WHGNE’s Mandy McDonald, chaired by Dr Murdolo (we missed Women's Health Loddon Mallee's Belinda Buck, who was sadly unable to make it). All three shared examples of work from the Impact Report 2025 that have made and continue to make a real-life difference to the lives of women and gender diverse people across Victoria. We are stronger when we work together to pool our expertise and influence, especially in the regions. Rural and regional women and gender diverse people need connected, supported communities underpinned by respect and equity. And that’s exactly what we’re here to create.

Access the Women's Health Services Network Impact Report 2025 here: https://www.whsn.org.au/impact-report-2025

24/11/2025

See you there!

🔈 You are invited to the Public Launch of 16 Days of Activism!

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). It calls for us all to take action to prevent and eliminate all gender-based violence.

In 2025, Ballarat will take action with '16 Ways for 16 Days' - a community-wide invitation to participate in one meaningful activity each day to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence.

Journey through Ballarat as you deepen your understanding of gender equality and your role in preventing gender-based violence, starting with the campaign launch.

🗓️ When: Tuesday 25 November

⏲️ Time: 1pm-2pm

📍 Where: Ballarat Central Library

For a copy of your Ballarat Journey:

https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/16%20ways%20for%2016%20days%2C%20Your%20Ballarat%20Journey_0.pdf

24/11/2025

Today, 25 November 2025, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day has been observed by women’s rights activists since 1981 in honour of the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo. The United Nations formally adopted the date and designation in 2000.

25 November is also the official beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which runs until 10 December. There are numerous events happening in our region and across the country. Follow our social media for updates and hope to see you out and about in person during the next 16 days!

20/11/2025

Women and gender diverse people in our region! Ahead of 16 Days of Activism Against Gendered Violence 2025 we want to take a snapshot of your voices. Tell us what you think men need to know and what they should do about preventing violence: survey link below

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZV2MM2X?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAOOL5ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafkXDHlE8jf3GgLjbt8apqoXhZSYNXyQV2oQvgavAtJkuO2lUdLtMXc9TR0OQ_aem_sr55u-vYuTYKN6VaUFuCDg

19/11/2025

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the trans lives lost to acts of transphobia and discrimination. No one should lose their life because of their gender. No one deserves to have their identity belittled, suppressed, or used for political gain. Let's pause today to think about what actions we can take as individuals, organisations and communities to create a more tolerant future where everyone can thrive. We owe it to the memories of those we've already lost.

To learn more about effective allyship and advocacy visit Zoe Belle Gender Collective Inc https://zbgc.org.au/

If you date transwomen and would like support navigating that space, check out https://transfemme.com.au/ for amazing resources.

For support and information on trans experience visit Transgender Victoria

19/11/2025

We are delighted to welcome Ballarat North Neighbourhood House to the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Alliance! BNNH's mission is to build socially connected, engaged and inclusive communities where people feel they belong.

BNNH Manager Brett Edgington says “At Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, we are passionate about ensuring all community members have an opportunity to participate in our house. We run activities from a number of locations, providing opportunities for people to learn new skills and meet new people. We strive to ensure our venues are accessible and reflect the different community groups we support. We also offer a range of volunteer roles, including student placements, that we hope will provide fantastic learning opportunities that benefit the volunteer, our organisation, and the broader community.”

BNNH is a terrific addition to the CoRE network, and we look forward to working with the team to create an ever safer and more respectful Ballarat.

Pictured are Dr Sophie Pilbeam (BNNH Program Coordinator), Helen Watson (Volunteer Playgroup Coordinator) and Brett Edgington (BNNH Manager), alongside WHG CEO Jennie and Senior CoRE Consultant Kate.

19/11/2025

20 November is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Community will gather in solidarity at Barkly Square in Ballarat tomorrow at 7pm to reflect and remember, support and affirm, to learn from the past in order to create a stronger and more inclusive future.

A sunset smoking ceremony by Wadawurrung woman Shannen Mennen will open the occasion, followed by a few words from community members.

18/11/2025

Today's sentencing of Lachlan Young brings an element of judicial closure that opens space for moving forward. But it also resurfaces an all too familiar grief. Hannah, like so many other women whose lives were lost at the hands of their violent partners, should still be with us today. We are sending love and strength to Hannah's family and friends, and quietly reaffirming our commitment to doing whatever we can, for as long as it takes, to end violence against women.

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If today's news has raised anything for you, know that you're not alone. Talk to someone you trust, or you may prefer to call:

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
24/7 support for family, domestic, and sexual violence matters.

13YARN (13 92 76)
24/7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support service.

LifeLine 13 11 14
24/7 Crisis Support.