The mental health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender diverse people is shaped by a complex mix of environmental, social, and biological influences across their lives. Persistent gender inequality, gendered violence and intersecting forms of discrimination create unique challenges that limit their ability to protect and improve their wellbeing. Addressing these gendered barriers is essential for our entire community. The wellbeing of individuals and communities is deeply interconnected – when people thrive, communities thrive, and vice versa.
Some of Women’s Health Loddon Mallee’s past and present leaders reflect on our Mental Health and Wellbeing portfolio.
WHLM is proud to have launched Her Mental Health Matters (2025-2028) – a 3-year strategy aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of women, girls, and gender diverse people in the Loddon Mallee region. The plan was developed in consultation with 18 key organisations, and was shaped by community input gathered through an online survey, which had 55 responses.
The strategy guides WHLM’s work, while also serving as a strategic resource for organisations across the Loddon Mallee region who are committed to improving gender equity in health. It provides a framework for collective action that health services, local governments, community organisations and other stakeholders can adapt and implement to address the gendered determinants of mental health and wellbeing.
Five main strategic priorities were identified: building better local evidence, strengthening community connections and mental health literacy, tackling barriers to support, empowering individuals for wellbeing, and embedding mental health in community settings
“Walking along side by side, not in front not behind.”
In response to the devastating floods that swept through northern Victoria in October 2022, WHLM launched the Aunties on Country – Nurture and Nourishment Gatherings to support First Nations women in the region. 10 women were identified from Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Watti Watti, Latji Latji, Barapa Barapa, and Yorta Yorta Country.
This year, we held our fourth Nurture and Nourishment weekend in Echuca. Participants valued safe spaces for learning, cultural sharing, relaxation, and community support.
Guided by the ‘Mutti Mia’ ways of working and the Social and Emotional Wellbeing framework, these gatherings promote and facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer, sharing of cultural practices, and deepening connection to Country. The Aunties, many of whom are Elders living in rural areas, co-design the weekends, shaping activities such as yarning circles, walks on Country, and traditional crafts like weaving and possum skin cloaking. The outcomes have been profound: strengthened cultural identity, improved mental and physical wellbeing, and a renewed sense of empowerment and community. WHLM will continue this work with another gathering planned before December 2025, ensuring First Nations women’s voices remain central in disaster recovery and wellbeing initiatives.
WHLM hosted a free upcycling and sustainability workshop for local women at the Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, creatively repurposing old International Women’s Day vinyl signage. The workshop brought together 12 participants in a welcoming and hands-on environment, where they learned practical skills in sustainable crafting while transforming recycled materials into unique tote bags.
Beyond the creative activity, the session provided a valuable space for open conversations around mental health and social connection, encouraging participants to share experiences, build relationships, and foster a sense of community.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee has been delivering Let’s Talk Mental Health workshops across the Loddon Mallee region, aiming to boost mental health awareness and wellbeing among multicultural women. These interactive sessions focus on understanding mental health, recognising gendered impacts, identifying supports, and building confidence to respond to mental distress.
Recent workshops were held in Castlemaine, Bendigo, Echuca, Mildura, and Robinvale, reaching women from diverse backgrounds, including the Karen and Sri Lankan communities and diverse seasonal workers. Across all locations, participants reported increased knowledge of mental health and wellbeing, greater confidence in accessing services, and a strong willingness to share what they learned with others.
These workshops highlight the importance of culturally responsive mental health education and the value of safe spaces for learning, sharing, and community support.
