The regional SRH framework Her Health Matters 2023-26 underpins and guides our work to improve sexual and reproductive health services and information for women in the Loddon Mallee. WHLM developed the framework through consultation with community, service providers, and stakeholders to embed lived experience and reflect the needs of our region.
Some of our past and present leaders reflect on highlights and challenges of working in Sexual & Reproductive Health in the region over the last 35 years
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee recently created a series of videos to ensure women across the region, including Filipino and Karen speakers, can access vital sexual and reproductive health information. This year, we were able to extend our video guides to include Auslan, in partnership with Expressions Australia. Topics include cervical screening, menopause, pregnancy options, and breast care.
To improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes for regional and rural women, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, the Long Story Short project report, released in 2024, outlines multiple recommendations across sectors and community. These focus on creating supportive SRH environments, strengthening the evidence base, and shaping healthy public policy. They will guide WHLM, WHGNE, and key stakeholders in designing and delivering future SRH initiatives using tailored systemic, structural, and cultural approaches that address health disparities. The recommendations also support the development of a responsive health system that meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, multicultural women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and women with disabilities. Other leaders and decision-makers are encouraged to use these findings to inform broader system reform.
After two years of collecting the evidence, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and Women’s Health Goulburn North East were thrilled to launch the findings and recommendations from the Long Story Short project on World Sexual Health Day 2024 (4 Sept) at their ‘What Better Looks Like Forum’.
The webinar-style event presented a suite of recommendations through the final project report, informed by women’s lived experience data, health sector expertise, and quantitative research.
Attendees were invited to consider what ‘better’ sexual and reproductive health looks like for women in rural and regional Victoria, and how we can get there through policy making, research and practice. The forum, which was also co-hosted by Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health, featured expert guest speakers Associate Professor Siobhan Bourke and Jack Muscat, who were able to share some examples of sexual and reproductive health initiatives across the regions that are working to address some of the barriers and challenges women in our regions face.
Utilising sexual and reproductive health local data for each of the Local Government Areas in the Loddon Mallee, WHLM developed and distributed a set of infographic data snapshots. These were distributed through network meetings and key partnership opportunities, as well as through various digital platforms, including the WHLM website, social media and messaging platforms.
An additional supporting resource was developed, which includes the LMR trends, backgrounds on each of the topics, full indicator descriptions, sources, where to find further info and data limitations that are crucial for interpretation. A brief trend analysis for some of the key areas eg. screening, is also available on our website.
WHLM developed a service map and online listing of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services available in the Loddon Mallee Region and beyond. These are available on the WHLM website.
Through the Well Women’s Clinic program WHLM conducted 170 health information consultations. In February 2025 the clinic program was closed in order to streamline resourcing into other health promotion initiatives and advocacy.
We understand the vital role our clinic program has played over the years in providing sexual and reproductive health services to the community, and we deeply appreciate all our clients, partners, and stakeholders for your support and collaboration over the years.
WHLM continue to work with communities and organisations in the Loddon Mallee region to deliver vital sexual and reproductive health education. Topics covered in these sessions included SRH service navigation, cervical screening, and menopause. Workshops were delivered in a number of community and workplace settings.
To mark World Menopause Day on October 18, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee offered a series of online learning sessions throughout October, including 3 free evening information sessions about menopause, and a session for workplaces and organisations to explore ways employers and teams can support people experiencing menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.
