Robinvale District Health Services

28/11/2025

Day 5 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Data shows, young women aged 18–34 experience significantly higher rates of physical and sexual violence than older age groups (AIHW, 2019).
Additionally, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds face additional risks, including financial abuse, reproductive coercion, and immigration-related violence, such as withholding documents or threats of visa cancellation or deportation (ANROWS; CFCA, 2018).
Jorja, our Allied Health Assistant, is a strong young woman who believes that respect means owning your power and never giving it away for someone else’s approval.
If you or someone you know needs confidential advice or support:
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) - 24/7 counselling, information, and assistance.

28/11/2025

Day 4 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Did you know that research shows pregnancy and the early post-natal period are times of heightened risk for the onset or escalation of partner violence? (ANROWS 2020; State of Victoria 2016).

Among the estimated 791,000 women who had experienced violence by a previous partner since the age of 15 and were pregnant during that relationship, 1 in 6 (17%) experienced violence for the first time during pregnancy (ABS 2023).

In 2024, 16% of the burden of disease from early pregnancy loss was attributable to intimate partner violence (AIHW 2024).

These numbers speak loudly, violence during pregnancy is a critical health, safety, and human rights issue.

At RDHS, Vicky, our dedicated midwife and passionate human rights advocate, reminds us that respect means empowering pregnant women to take autonomy over their own care, and feel safe during this journey.

If you or someone you know needs confidential advice or support:
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24/7 counselling, information, and assistance.

27/11/2025

Day 3 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

We all deserve to be safe and supported in our families, relationships, and communities. However, outdated ideas about gender and sexuality can make people feel like there is something wrong with them and justify or excuse behaviour that devalues or disrespects them.

By promoting pride and positive relationships and shifting outdated ideas about gender and sexuality, parents, siblings and extended family can reduce the likelihood of family violence and make a world of difference.

Today, we share insights from Ethan, our Dietician, who reminds us that every person has a right to own their identity. He believes, respect is when you accept that love may be different for different people.

If you or someone you know needs confidential advice or support:
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24/7 counselling, information, and assistance.

26/11/2025

Day 2 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS) reveals a concerning reality: in 2021, 1 in 4 Australians (25%) believed that women who do not leave their abusive partners are partly responsible for the violence continuing.

This misconception reinforces stigma and creates significant barriers to help-seeking. Shifting community attitudes is essential to ensuring safety, dignity, and support for those affected.

Today, we share insights from Donna, our Social Worker, who reminds us that a person’s strength is bigger than their circumstances. She believes it takes immense courage to speak up and ask for help, and through her work, she empowers women and community members to access the support they need.

If you or someone you know needs confidential advice or support:
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24/7 counselling, information, and assistance.

25/11/2025

Day 1 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

We all deserve to be safe, equal and respected. Safety for women is not a given in any community – and neither is respect. It doesn't have to be this way.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

For Day one, we share the thoughts of Grant, our social work student who believes, consent forms the core of a healthy and respectful relationship. It is non continuous and can be withdrawn anytime, so it’s important to remember that everything other than a yes is a no.

24/11/2025

21/11/2025

Technology is great to bring old friends together......

Today our feel-good Friday has one of our residents at our Manangatang Campus just that.

Louisa received a FaceTime call today from an old friend who she had not seen for over 70 years.

Louisa had moved away from the Manangatang region to pursue teaching all those years ago and had not seen Betty since then.

Our staff organised for them to have a FaceTime conversation, chatting like that had only seen one another last week and not 73 years ago.

Happy Friday Everyone!

16/11/2025

RDHS Board of Directors invite you to attend

Robinvale District Health Services
2025 Annual General Meeting
Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025
Time: 3.00pm
Location: Conference Centre (B)

RSVP by Friday 5th December 2025 to Ashley Van Rooy, Board Secretary avanrooy@rdhs.com.au
Enquires please phone (03) 5051 8111

A zoom link can be provided upon request for virtual attendance.

13/11/2025

It’s World Diabetes Day
Today we’re celebrating the wins, the breakthroughs, and the everyday moments that remind us that diabetes is more than numbers.

Diabetes affects over 1.3 million Australians, and the numbers continue to rise. It’s a condition that impacts lives every day — but with awareness, education, and support, we can make a difference.

From research and youth support to inclusion and innovation — every step forward is powered by this incredible community.

11/11/2025

Have you ever wished you could directly influence the delivery of healthcare services in Robinvale ?

Now’s your chance!

We want YOU to join our Community Advisory Committee, where you can contribute your own ideas and opinions to bring about improvements and change.

No experience or special skills necessary, you just need a few hours spare a month and an interest in the future of healthcare in our community.

For more info, contact Ashley or Connie on (03) 50 518 111 or email quality@rdhs.com.au

11/11/2025

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause. We remember the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve.
​We will never forget the debt we owe for our freedom. Take a moment with us today to reflect, honour, and remember them. Lest We Forget. 🌹