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Women's Health Grampians Newsletter
February 2018
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Welcome
2018 is well underway, but Happy New Year to our members and readers nevertheless! It is certainly shaping up to be another big year in terms of gender equality activity, with #metoo and #TimesUp campaigns increasing momentum both locally and globally. We welcome this focus and the conversations and discussion that are an important part of cultural change and transformation.
You will read in this newsletter that the early weeks of 2018 have focussed on increasing our pool of trainers and planning a schedule of training opportunities to support delivery of the CoRE Plan. This will significantly boost our capacity, and in turn, that of the large range of organisations across the region that are strongly committed to playing a role in primary prevention. We were delighted to receive news in January that the state government has committed further funding to women’s health services to enable our regional partnership work in family violence prevention. This announcement coincided with the launch of the Free from Violence First Action Plan and recognises the effectiveness of a regional partnerships, multi systems approach in developing a primary prevention platform for Victoria.
We were also pleased to receive news of funding to support the next phase in our work to increase reproductive choices for women in our region, particularly the Wimmera. This project, in collaboration regional partners, will address the recommendations of Rural GPs and Unintended Pregnancy Study conducted last year and we hope to recruit a project worker to undertake this work the near future.
Speaking of the Wimmera, we have finalised our transition to our new office in Horsham – a very welcome co-location arrangement with the Centre for Participation. We are grateful for this opportunity which will not only provide an office but ongoing partnership opportunities in training and other areas. Contact details can be found in the newsletter.
In staffing news, we are delighted to have Valma Ffrost on board as our new Administration Officer in Ballarat and Sascha Davies has transitioned from student placement to project worker, supporting the CoRE Plan. They become a welcome part of the skilled and committed team that we are fortunate to have at WHG.
This edition of the newsletter features some of the many and varied activities around the region that are planned to mark International Womens Day on March 8. We are particularly excited to be planning the launch of the Gender Inequality in the Grampians Region Report on March 7. This is a fine piece of work undertaken by WHG staff providing baseline indicators specific to our region, for which we can measure progress in closing the gender gap over time.
Marianne Hendron, CEO, Women's Health Grampians
CEOs and leaders from women’s health services thrilled with the state government announcement of further funding to enable regional partnership work in family violence prevention.
International Women's Day: 8 March 2018
The theme for International Women's Day 2018 calls on us all to #PressforProgress: Friends, colleagues, communities - think, act, be gender inclusive
WHG seeks to #PressforProgress by supportively calling-out inappropriate behaviour, campaigning for equality in meaningful ways and actively contributing to changing the status quo.
"The story of women's struggle for equality
belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation
but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." Gloria Steinem
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Ballarat
In celebration of International Women’s Day, 2018, WRISC Family Violence Support, together with WHG, would like to present a special screening of
Finding your Feet. ‘Lady’ Abbott finds the courage to reinvent herself after she flees a broken marriage to stay with her bohemian sister in London. Starring Imelda Staunton and Joanna Lumley, Finding Your Feet is hilarious and heartwarming, proving it’s never too late to start again.
WHEN: 6:30pm Thursday 8 March
WHERE: Regent Cinemas Ballarat
TICKETS: $15 (cash only) from WRISC - 205 Dana Street or
WHG - 2 Drummond Street Sth
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Horsham
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and to declare bold purposeful action to accelerate gender parity. Join us as four local women present short dynamic presentations linked to the 2018 theme – #PressforProgress
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Updates across the region
Training opportunities for CoRE members
We are excited to present a number of training opportunities for staff and volunteers of CoRE member organisations. Topics include Introduction to Prevention of Violence against Women, Intensive Bystander Training and Gender Equity Training for Managers. Sessions will be held across the region. For more information or to register for upcoming sessions, visit: https://whg.eventbrite.com.au
We recommend you register early as places are limited.
If your organisation is interested in undertaking training with a large number of your staff, please contact WHG to discuss options. |
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CoRE: Sports Club Project
WHG have a targeted focus on engaging sporting clubs and associations in the Central Highlands join CoRE, thinking of ways they can meaningfully promote gender equality in their own microcosms. Since the Leading Change event in November 2017 there has been a 13% increase in CoRE membership. WHG acknowledge and celebrate three new sporting club members Buninyong Cricket Club, Ballarat Cricket Association, and Ballarat District & Soccer Association.
For more information on the role your club can play in creating positive cultures around gender contact Dee Angelina Micevski at dee@whg.org.au or 03 5322 4100. |
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CoRE: It Takes Courage Project
In recent sessions we have been doing a lot of writing – recipes, key prevention of violence against women messages and creative writing for the “It Takes Courage” book. We have been drawing on our diverse experiences, upbringing and dreams to share chapters of our lives with readers, and to learn more about each other.
We have talked about hardship, poverty, overcoming massive challenges and hurdles that life has thrown our way, and of course courage, strength, resilience and current feelings of relative privilege.
Some women have written a “Dear Future Me…” letter, or a “Thank you” letter to someone significant who helped to shape them or their life.
Others are telling their migration stories, or writing to their children, such as the following letter written by Thao to her son who is now six years old. Her letter starts with “Dear 20 year old Bryan…”.
For more information contact Shiree Pilkinton, Intercultural Engagement Advisor on 53224100 or shiree@whg.org.au
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Regional: Central Highlands
Moorabool Shire Council – WHG have been working closely with Moorabool Shire Council to identify ways to promote women and girls sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Moorabool Shire Council are one of two councils in the region to have prioritised sexual and reproductive health in their four year health and wellbeing plan and we are very excited to be a partner in enacting this vision.
City of Ballarat have embarked on Act@Work, a six month workplace based program to address sexism, discrimination and violence against women. It is a great show of leadership and exciting to know the program will reach over 1000 employees. The program involves the development of a gender equity action plan to help create positive environments for women and men, and bystander training to support staff to intervene in instances of sexism and discrimination.
For more information or support in this region, please contact Dee Micevski at dee@whg.org.au or 5322 4100.
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STOP DV Conference 2017 - at this conference in December Dee had the opportunity to showcase the What, Why, and How of our Grampians Community of Practice which commenced with funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust to upskill stakeholders in the region.
We have delivered sessions exploring philanthropy, data, Change the Story, unconscious bias, CoRE, engaging men and boys, intersectionality and media. We aim to improve our delivery of the CoP through reflective practice and member input. |
Regional: Grampians Pyrenees
Congratulations to the Pyrenees Shire Council who have signed up to complete Act@Work. As part of the program all staff will complete prevention of violence against women and bystander awareness training. The Council have also established an action group that is working collaboratively to improve gender equality within the organisation.
Watch this space – a Leading Change Event will be held in the Grampians Pyrenees mid-2018. The aim is to inspire workplace and community leaders to challenging sexism, discrimination and violence against women in their workplace and community. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event.
CoRE Grampians Pyrenees Community of Practice - we are pleased to invite CoRE members in this part of the region to a Community of Practice to be held at Alexandra Oval Meeting Room Ararat, 2-4pm on 21 March 2018
This session will include: how to undertake a gender audit, sharing practical ideas for action and learning from others other CoRE members in your region. RSVP 16 March 2018 to kate@whg.org.au
For more information or support in this region, please contact Kate Diamond-Keith at kate@whg.org.au or 5322 4100.
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Regional: Wimmera
STOP DV Conference 2017 - Melissa was proud to showcase Act@Work at this conference in December. With two thirds of women reporting family violence incidents being in paid employment, this program is highly relevant to a workplace setting. Act@Work addresses workplace culture, physical environment, community connections and health and well being of staff. Evaluation shows a positive shift in a range of indicators including percentages of participants who thought telling sexist jokes was never OK and participants who would be willing take action in various situations.
Act@Work Review - many thanks to our training facilitators and partners who have provided feedback to help with the review and refinement of our Act@Work program and resources. We are also very grateful for Melissa's efforts in championing this work ahead of a busy training schedule to kick off 2018.
International Women’s Day - thanks to the Horsham committee who have been planning the celebration for the 8 March. We are pleased to have four local guest speakers who are all pushing for progress in their respective fields: business owner Michelle Shank, headspace youth support worker Maddi Ostapiw, Wotjobaluk traditional owner Joanne Clarke and Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Catherine Morley.
Horsham Office - Melissa has recently moved to the new office space housed within the Centre for Participation at 39 Urquhart St, Horsham. The Ballarat team is already missing the 'sights of Natimuk' photos Melissa would share with us, but pleased to report this new collaborative space is working well!
For more information or support in this region, please contact Melissa Morris melissa@whg.org.au or 5382 5607.
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IN THE MEDIA
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Central Highlands Family Violence Committee
The Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee will host its next CoP event on 19 April in Ballarat to explore information sharing, including Victoria’s new family violence information sharing scheme. The new scheme will transform the way agencies share information to manage risk, keep victims safer and hold perpetrators to account. With guest speakers from Family Safety Victoria and DHHS, the CoP will provide a valuable opportunity to build our understanding of information sharing, including what the changes will mean for practitioners on the ground in our community.
Full details will be available soon at www.chifvc.org.au or email info@chifvc.org.au to be added to our mailing list.
CHIFVC CoPs provide a cross-sectoral forum open to all professionals working with people impacted by family violence – it is a space to explore, reflect and learn. All new and returning members are welcome!
WHEN: 9.30am-1.30pm 19 April 2018
WHERE: Oscars, 18 Doveton St South, Ballarat
Lunch will be provided. |
SAVE THE DATE:
Family Violence
Community of Practice
19 April 2018
Our first Community of Practice (CoP) brought together more than 60 participants from across family violence and related sectors to work towards a coordinated response in the region.
Read more about the this event CHIFVC Community of Practice on 23 November 2017.
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Act@Work is an organisation-wide cultural-change program for workplaces. The aim is to address the underlying causes of violence against women: sexism, discrimination and gender inequality using a systems approach in workplace setting. If you would like more information contact Darlene Henning-Marshall on 5322 4100.
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Gender Audit Tool
An exciting new tool has developed for CoRE members to undertake a gender audit of their organisation. A gender audit is a process to help you consider gender and gender inequality in a range of aspects across your organisation and to identify opportunities and areas for improvement. Organisations may find this a useful way to start considering actions they can take as a CoRE member. Please contact your Regional Consultant on 53224100 for further information. |
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City of Ballarat - Right to the Night Project
WHG are a proud project partner on this innovative Ballarat trial aiming to make our streets safer for women. Women are encouraged to identify and comment on their impressions of public spaces, mapping where they feel safe and unsafe in the Ballarat CBD.
Share your safety experiences with us between March and May 2018 go to righttothenight.com.au |
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Sexual & Reproductive Health
Research: Unintended Pregnancy
We are pleased to have received news of funding to support the next phase in our work to increase reproductive choices for women in our region, particularly the Wimmera. This project, in collaboration regional partners, will address the recommendations of Rural GPs and Unintended Pregnancy Study conducted last year.
A recent article published in The Age highlights the many barriers to accessing abortion services across Australia. Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Leader of the federal opposition and Catherine King, Labor's shadow health minister are calling for an urgent national review of the availability of sexual and reproductive health services. And also for the federal government to show leadership so women can access the health care they need – wherever they live.
For more information about our Sexual and Reproductive Health work across the region please contact Shannon Hill on shannon@whg.org.au or 5322 4100. |
IN THE MEDIA
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SheDecides 2 March 2018
SheDecides is a global movement to promote, provide, protect and enhance the fundamental rights of every girl and woman to health. These rights affect her personal development, her participation in society, her livelihood and whether her family and community thrives.
SheDecides means every girl and woman must have access to education and information
about her body and her options,
modern contraception and safe abortion.
This global campaign aligns with our committed to improving the sexual and reproductive health of women across the Grampians region. Our goal is to increase women’s access to timely and appropriate sexual and reproductive health with a focus on contraception, pregnancy counselling, abortion and professional development.
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Join us for the 3.43 afternoon tea to celebrate International Women’s Day
#PressforProgress a call to action for accelerating gender parity
3.43pm signifies and raises awareness of the gender pay gap (16%)
On average, women are working ‘for free’ from this time on
when compared to the salaries of men.
When: 3.43pm 8 Mar ch 2018
Where: Alfred Deakin Place – Camp Street, Ballarat
Dress: Purple and white
Light refreshments and activities provided
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Join in a celebration of International Women's Day
Enjoy a great meal, stimulating conversation and hear from some of Stawell's successful women
Book your tickets and let all your friends know to book their place at your table by telling them your table number. Book online at www.trybooking.com or pay cash at the Stawell Neighbourhood House.
Brought to you by Stawell's Women's Advocacy Group. For more information contact Jenny at Stawell Neighbourhood House 5358 3500 |
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Multicultural Centre for Women’s HealthCommenced in 1978 as an industry based health education program for migrant women in Victoria. On Friday 9 March they will
host a launch including an exhibition of archival footage, photography and a short video to mark our 40th year for stakeholders past and present.
10am-12pm, Collingwood
Click here to register |
Organised by Grampians Integrated Cancer Service (GICS)
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Friday 2 March 2018
9:30am-12:00pm
Ballarat
This female only event will provide participants with insights into the value and impact their unique voice brings to their communication within professional contexts. Sandra Baigel of Voice & Word can equip you with techniques to enhance your unique voice quality and increase your impact in spoken contexts. For further information click here |
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