WHW News (Edition 2 2009)

whw news

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wellbeing SOCIAL connectedness edition

Edition 2 • 2009

inside:

Lead On Again, a hands on experience for young CALD women. Read more about this innovative program at www.whwest.org.au/community/youngwomen.php

A word from the ceo

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elcome to the second edition of the Women’s Health West newsletter for 2009.

We have been very busy over the last few months working with staff, board and communities of interest to develop our strategic plan for 2009-2012, as well as undergoing our first external accreditation.

We are pleased to announce that we met all criteria for accreditation, with some additional work to be undertaken in the area of risk management. I would like to thank staff and board directors for their tireless work towards accreditation over the last twelve months, particularly Angela Cole, our Quality Project Worker, and Jo Harper, Coordinator of Operations and Personnel. As Angela kept reminding us, accreditation is a process, not a task, so we will continue to evaluate and reflect on ways to provide better outcomes for women as part of our everyday work.

In the lead up to developing our strategic plan we conducted a series of workshops, including two attended by partner agencies, government department representatives, academics and other service providers in the areas of health promotion and family violence. We appreciate the time and energy that our colleagues put

Dr Robyn Gregory

into assisting us to evaluate what we do well, what we should do more of, what we could do differently and what we should stop doing. Unfortunately no one came up with any ideas for what we could stop doing!

You will find a copy of the new strategic plan, along with an article by our deputy chairperson, Georgie Hill, on page 4. We are very happy to receive ideas at any time about how we might best meet our ambitious vision of bringing Equity and Social Justice to Women in the West. This has been a long term vision, as many of you will know, and this year we are recording the history of Women’s Health West to coincide with our 21st birthday. Esther Singer, our project worker, is busy gathering photos, stories and other information to include in the book, which will be launched at our AGM/ birthday party at the Incinerator Arts Complex in Moonee Ponds on 25 November. You can read more about Esther’s work on page 8.

During the process of accreditation and strategic planning, we have also confirmed our health promotion priorities for 20092012, which are sexual and reproductive health, equity and social justice (incorporating prevention of violence against women) and mental wellbeing and social connectedness.

This is our mental wellbeing and social connectedness edition, and articles that focus

Continued p.2

women’s health west ­– equity and justice for women in the west

Women’s Health West sets future direction p.4 Deputy Chair, Georgie Hill, presents WHW’s 2009-2012 strategic plan

Action! p.7 New instructional video on how to collect evidence and stay safe.

21 Years of Women’s Health West p.8

Our exciting history book project comes to life.

Continued from p.1 on this topic are identified throughout the newsletter. You will find some exciting news about Power On, our long-running program for women who experience mental illness, on page 12.

There are also articles about the family violence reforms, health promotion initiatives and the launch of the second edition of Mama and Nunu, a pregnancy care manual for health workers working with women from African backgrounds.

Women’s Health West has contributed a number of submissions to state and federal government over the last few months and are actively involved in the development of a state plan to prevent violence against women. We are excited about the development of a national women’s health policy, the focus on prevention as well as supporting intervention in health care, and look forward to working closely with government, other agencies and the community to continue to advocate for women’s health and safety to be at the forefront of local, state and federal thinking and action.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and that you will continue to join us in the ongoing process of advocating for more just and equitable outcomes for women.

ISSN # 1834-7096 Editor: Nicola Harte Newsletter Group: Katherine Koesasi, Cath Mayes, Jacky Tucker, Veronica Garcia, Nicola Harte.

Contributors to this edition: Anna Vu, Cath Mayes, Deborah Armour, Esther Singer, Georgie Hill, Isis&Pluto, Jacky Tucker, Joy Free, Katherine Koesasi, Kirsten Campbell, Lauren Eagle, Lindy Corbett, Lucy Forwood, Nicola Harte, Rebecca, Robyn Gregory, Sally Camilleri, Scout Kozakiewicz, Singrid Stewart, Sophie, Tammy Vu, Veronica Garcia.

Photographers: Veronica Garcia, Scout Kozakiewicz, Sally Camilleri, Kirsten Campbell, Sarah Marlowe, Vivienne Mehers, Ponch Hawkes.

Design and layout: Susan Miller, millervision@netspace.net.au Editorial Policy: Contributions from readers are welcome, please include your name and email address so that we can contact you. Short items are preferred. Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of Women’s Health West (WHW). All contributions are the responsibility of the individual authors. The final decision on inclusion lies with WHW and the editor.

Content must be in keeping with WHW’s mission statement. WHW reserves the right to edit any contribution.

Read this edition and archives of WHW News online at www.whwest.org.au/pubs/WHWnews.php Edition 1 published: August 2009 Deadline for Edition 2: 14 September 2009

Mental wellbeing &

social connectedness Edition ‘Equity and justice for women in the west’ (Vision of Women’s Health West Strategic Plan 2009-12)

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omen’s Health West were proud to release our new strategic plan in July. How will this new plan guide our efforts to support women’s mental wellbeing and social connectedness in the western region?

Each of the strategic goals point to how WHW does and will continue to work towards our priorities: Delivering and advocating for accessible and culturally appropriate services and resources for women across the region Lack of access to culturally appropriate services and resources can increase isolation and be harmful to women’s mental wellbeing – as well as their physical health and longevity. WHW is working to increase women’s access to support and knowledge by producing information on how to collect evidence if an intervention order is breached and translating this into Vietnamese and Arabic (p. 7). We also produced a short film for distribution at court and on the internet.

Improving the conditions in which women live, work and play in the western region of Melbourne Poverty, isolation and lack of resources have a strong impact on our mental wellbeing and social connectedness.

WHW are lobbying councillors to develop a local government action plan for women’s health (p. 14) and continue to advocate to improve conditions for women here in the west.

Putting women’s health, safety and wellbeing on the political agenda to improve the status of women The status of women in society

Recognising that good health, safety and wellbeing begins in our workplace This goal recognises and responds to the fact that our staff don’t stop being women when they walk in the door to work. They bring all of the joys and challenges of being mothers, partners, carers and community members, facing their own questions of health, safety and wellbeing.

Working with others to achieve our goals Pooling the knowledge and expertise in our region helps us provide the best outcomes for women. Power On is one example of how working in partnership can enhance women’s mental wellbeing and social connectedness (see p. 12).

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Defining health promotion: What is mental well being?

Mental health is the embodiment of social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Mental health provides individuals with the vitality necessary for active living, to achieve goals and to interact with one another in ways that are respectful and just.

VicHealth 1999

Email contributions to info@whwest.org.au

whw news edition 2 • 2009

affects our mental wellbeing and social connectedness by sending messages about women’s value and potential to achieve. Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to family violence because of their status in our society and the practical barriers to social connectedness they experience (p. 10). WHW has employed a project worker to ensure that the specific needs of women with a disability who experience family violence are integrated into service responses across the region.

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Cartoon: Sarah Marlowe

PHOTOGRAPHER Veronica Garcia

Behind the scenes

Esther Singer

Anna Vu

Tammy Vu

History Book Project Worker

Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Worker

Co-ordinator, Family Violence Outreach Service

With qualifications in community development, I worked in HIV prevention and reproductive health in Vietnam for almost three years, at a mixture of local and international NGOs. Previously, I worked at the Alfred Hospital as a bilingual support worker to Vietnamese people affected by HIV. In my time working at WHW I would like to contribute to the amazing work that happens here by supporting the FARREP team. I am excited to learn about and get involved in the many different communities in the western region. I’m equally excited that many staff members share my love of food and eating!

Before joining WHW I was a supervisor for the 24hr domestic violence telephone line in Queensland, and a casual social worker/court worker for Women’s Legal Aid. I have a long history of working in the women’s sector and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I enjoy working with women for other women. I am excited to be working for an organisation that not only upholds feminist principles but that also celebrates diversity in women.

It’s been a pleasant surprise for me to find another Vu at WHW! Anna and I instantly bonded over our shared name, love of Vietnamese food and hilarious stories of experiences in Vietnam.

Deborah Armour

Rebecca

Sophie

Disability and Family Violence Intensive Case Management Project

Children’s Counsellor

Crisis Accommodation Services Co-ordinator

My first real job was as a theatre technician - I loved climbing the tall ladders. Since then I’ve trained in history and community development.

This has allowed me to work alongside some amazing people: young people reforming the mental health system, women leaving prison, gardeners and old squatters. One of my passions is to help people tell the stories that matter to them. I also love digging around in old files and photos, so I’m very excited to be here at Women’s Health West researching the past 21 years.

I’ve worked in the community sector for about eighteen years starting as a volunteer for Youth Insearch in Ballarat.

I moved to Gippsland and completed an Arts degree (Sociology/Human Resource Management). While bringing up three children I worked in family violence, women’s health, disability and child protection and did lots of volunteer work. I spent three years with the Smith Family implementing a support program for children from low income families. I am very excited about this new project and hope at the end of two years WHW leads the way to create better access for women with disabilities escaping family violence.

My position as children’s counsellor and group co-coordinator is the culmination of several years of study and work in fine arts, social work and art therapy. I have always been fascinated by people’s stories and their use of creativity to heal; in particular how individuals experience, make meaning of, and heal from trauma. I love working with children, as creativity and imaginative play is primary in developing an understanding of their self within their world and how they experience it. So far, at WHW I have been privileged to witness incredible stories of courage, love, trust and healing from children, young adults and their carers.

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In New Zealand I was a mental health crisis cultural assessor and family violence specialist consultant for clinical staff at Gisborne Hospital. I am a descendant of Ngati Porou Tribe. Traditionally women were chiefs and educators; as mothers they ensured the continuation of future generations and were held in the highest esteem by all. I want to take this opportunity, as the new CAS coordinator, to share this respect, knowledge and understanding with my team of dedicated workers. In my personal life I get great joy ensuring that my language, cultural customs, traditional dance, songs and legends are related and practiced through my family.

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Want to know more about women in Melbourne’s west?

Katherine Koesasi, Manager Health Promotion, Research and Development

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n July 2009, Women’s Health West (WHW) released Women in Melbourne’s West: A Data Book (the data book) at www.whwest.org.au/.

The data book (Volume 1: Social Profile and Volume 2: Health Status) is bursting with current statistical information about women in Melbourne’s west.

Compiled using recent reputable national and state-wide data sets, the social profile covers statistical information about women’s socio-economic status, such as emerging communities of women (recent arrivals), household and family characteristics and labour force status. The health status volume offers statistical information about the life expectancy, morbidity and community wellbeing of women in the western region. Where possible, each volume considers local government area (LGA) data and otherwise presents data at a sub-region or state-wide level.

Women’s Health West Strategic Plan:

Equity and Justice for Women in the West Georgie Hill, Deputy Chair, Women’s Health West Board of Directors

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ollowing months of planning, reviewing, consultation, brainstorming and healthy debate, the Board of Women’s Health West formally adopted the newly developed strategic plan on 3 June 2009. The plan sets the vision, mission, strategic goals and values for the organisation over the next three years (2009-2012).

The previous strategic plan was developed in 2004 and focussed on goals within the organisation articulating the work that we do and how we do it. Since then a number of changes in the external environment (e.g. new legislation, policy, funding arrangements, demographics) and the internal environment (e.g. staff changes and growth) have affected the way that we work.

In developing the new plan, we were conscious that our strategic direction needed to be simple, clear and dynamic to allow us to continue to grow with our community without losing sight of ‘the big picture’. This plan is about developing a strategic-thinking

organisation, at both an operational and governance level, so that we can ensure our chosen priorities are based on current and future needs and remain connected to our everevolving community and environment.

The new vision for Women’s Health West is ‘equity and justice for women in the west’. This powerful and aspirational statement, developed by staff and the board, sets the tone of our collective endeavours across the western region to create a community where women can be empowered to lead their lives in safety and with confidence.

The development of the new strategic plan has provided an opportunity for self reflection – thinking about how we make decisions, how our partners see us and where we need to focus our efforts to achieve our vision.

In our milestone twenty-first year, it is timely that we commit ourselves to this next phase of our journey, building on our past successes and reaffirming our long-standing commitment to the women of the west.

Some of the findings include:

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Wyndham is the fastest growing LGA in the region and will be more populated than Brimbank by 2016

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In all LGAs, there are higher proportions of females than males with weekly earnings in the lower income brackets

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Depression is the most significant contributing condition to the disease burden of females in Brimbank, Melbourne, Melton and Wyndham

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Females in Moonee Valley are most likely to rate their health as excellent or very good

We hope you find it a useful resource in your work, study or general knowledge.

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Women’s Health West’s strategic plan for the next three years Design: Isis & Pluto

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Women in the region

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Words and pictures by Scout Kozakiewicz

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atherine was not afraid to make some noise, to stand up for what she believed in. A rare, strong character, someone you hear about and can’t help admiring.

But for all of Katherine’s radical activism and public displays, there was also a fragility about her. Strength muddled with self doubt and insecurity; ordinary human traits.

Katherine’s ability to publicly turn a difficult situation around exposed not only her illness or disability but also her great, generous heart. Katherine died in her sleep on Saturday 22 September 2007. She is very sadly missed.

An ardent feminist, she routinely questioned authority and the hierarchical structures that define our society. She believed in equality and access for all; education and health care were particular concerns. You see, Katherine suffered from chronic rheumatoid arthritis and mental health issues, and was intimately familiar with the lack of public funding and awareness around both these matters.

Katherine was elected Women’s Officer at Melbourne University in 1996; her platform was disability advocacy. She would create little inconveniences for able-bodied students: obstructing doorways or stairs, increasing awareness of the lack of access for all. She created some hullabaloo around disabled parking within the university precinct, printing bumper stickers that read, “I am an asshole! I parked my car so as to block the access of a disabled person to this area…

Katherine “Katherine’s boots symbolise her ability to stand tall and walk forward towards the goals she set… despite not being able to walk some days herself.”

Next time my car will be scratched.

Cripples Inc.” She brought a sense of humour to her activism that belied her everyday struggle and frustration.

According to a good friend, “During the last years of her life, Katherine refined the art of activism to an everyday act.

She spoke her mind about access issues anywhere from the public library to the supermarket.” She also became involved with the Power On program, a Women’s Health West initiative. The program is geared towards empowering women with mental illness to better control their health and their lives. In her own words, “Working as a peer educator has been a journey for me; from babbling when insecurity hits to a feeling of confidence in what I, and we, are doing.

Essentially a peer educator shares her personal abilities and experiences with those who have had similar experiences and helps develop a shared knowledge.”

A colleague describes her trepidation, “It’s such a generous thing to do. Declare

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it. All of us have personal issues that we struggle with in our lives. She was really scared of that, to be known in the workplace as someone with a mental illness. But she was also really happy with how that went. She soon realised she wasn’t going to be stigmatised, as had been her previous experience.”

Katherine had really hit her stride.

Working to promote wellbeing was a natural progression from her earlier radical activism. Her well-worn and loved boots represent the woman missing in the photograph. A friend describes their significance. “Katherine’s boots symbolise her ability to stand tall and walk forward towards the goals she set for herself and the various communities she was a part of despite not being able to walk some days herself. Katherine’s footsteps on sand would have been unwavering and solid in their direction.

The laces in the boots symbolise her creativity, both academically and in quilting and sewing.”

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Integrated Family Violence service system

update

Combating Family Violence Sector Congregates at Round Table

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he second Family Violence Round Table was held on 28-29 May 2009. Members of the Family Violence Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) were in attendance, and IDC members, Mr Terry Healy, Deputy Secretary, DPCD and Superintendent Wendy Steendam from Victoria Police, chaired the round table.

Participants who contributed to the forum lead the implementation of family violence reforms in their regions. These participants included all parts of the integrated family violence system: government, police, courts and strong representation from community sector organisations throughout Victoria.

The purpose of the round table was to share information about the challenges and achievements in implementing family violence reform and to workshop ways forward for policy and practice in the sector.

Rachael Green Senior Policy Officer Family Violence Reform Coordination Unit Office of Women’s Policy Department of Planning and Community Development integrated family violence system while others can be resolved earlier.

Representatives from the north west region, including Women’s Health West and members of the Western Integrated Family Violence Commitee, recommended strengthening risk management through further integration and collaboration with Indigenous, CALD and disability services in the north west.

Other challenges and priorities raised by services from the north west region and shared across the state included strengthening partnerships, workforce development, demand management, and maintaining consistent service quality across a stretched service system.

The purpose of the round table was to share information about the challenges and achievements in implementing family violence reform, and to workshop ways forward for policy and practice in the sector.

Presentations on emerging developments included the progress of the systemic review of family violence-related deaths from the State Coroner, Judge Jennifer Coate, feedback from the SAFER research team on family violence reform progress, and a range of reports on developing effective partnerships between Indigenous and mainstream services.

The north west region faces a unique set of pressures on service planning and delivery because of the development of growth corridors and requested the IDC consider the impact of this on service planning and delivery, and resource requirements.

The Family Violence Interdepartmental Committee work plan for 200910 will be informed by input from round table participants; some suggestions will require long-term effort and culture change across the

The inaugural round table in 2008 identified risk management as a critical issue and this will remain a focus for the government in 2009-10 and beyond. This round table tackled the ongoing implementation of the

whw news edition 2 • 2009

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Common Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework and examined the practicalities for services developing integrated governance and service provision. We addressed some of these issues by clarifying information sharing requirements and facilitating a presentation and question and answer session by the Deputy Privacy Commissioner, Anthony Bendall.

Women’s Health West and the north west region showed leadership on strengthened risk management. Victoria Police presented a pilot project that represents one aspect of this – a partnership between police and funded family violence services in the west – to manage the safety and service responses to women at high risk. The pilot is underpinned by strong case conferencing that involves the women affected in the conferencing process.

The north west region suggested developing shared understandings of what managing high risk cases of women and their children means, and outlined good practice elements to help manage these cases.

We are working to create an integrated system that provides the right services to every woman that comes through our collective doors. There has been a remarkable amount achieved in family violence over the last five years. None of it would have been possible without the advocacy, support and professionalism of the family violence and related service sectors, and leadership of organisations such as Women’s Health West.

A summary of the presentations provided at the round table will be available shortly at www.familyviolence.vic.gov.au

How to collect evidence if your intervention order is breached Nicola Harte, Communications Coordinator

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ntervention orders are issued by courts against perpetrators of violence to protect women who have experienced family violence. They outline certain conditions to increase the woman’s safety. Unfortunately, intervention orders are frequently ignored and those conditions then breached.

Women’s Health West have been working with Victoria Police, with funds from the Department of Human Services, to produce written material explaining practical ways to collect evidence of these breaches - evidence that will stand up in court. One simple example is the importance of keeping a diary of individual breaches whether you report them to police or not.

This means keeping a note of times, dates, locations, the actions of the people involved, conversations, threats, cars driven and their registration numbers, and writing down how you felt when the incident happened.

While we have printed this important information in English, Vietnamese and Arabic, we are keen to distribute it more widely and make it more accessible to women of diverse abilities. So, I’m happy to report that we have just completed the film version of the brochure, which shows WHW staff members diligently collecting evidence complete with sound effects and bruises made of make-up.

The thirteen-hour day of filming yielded five information-packed minutes of video and an exhausted but oddly exhilarated cast and crew. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff who volunteered their time, talent (and home!) with many smiles and not a grumble.

The film will be available on YouTube, the WHW website, other domestic and family violence organisation’s sites and on DVD. Check www.whwest.org.au for details.

Do not delete any messages left on phone message bank or similar recording device.

Information on how to collect evidence in Vietnamese and Arabic.

See a doctor to treat and record injuries.

Vlad and Meriem in a rare break from filming.

Have a witness listen to phone calls.

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Keep a diary of individual breaches whether you report them to police or not.

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21 Years of Women’s Health

Photo: Ponch Hawkes

Photo: Sarah Marlowe

Women’s Health Service, Committee of Management.

Women’s Health West staff at industrial relations rally in Swanston St, 2005.

Women’s Health West CEO, Melissa Afentoulis, (2nd from left), 1997.

L-R: Anita Carrol, Administrator, Women’s Health Service; David White, Minister for Health; Maureen Dawson-Smith, Chair, Women’s Health Service. 1988.

Esther Singer, History Book Project Worker

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id you know that the women involved in establishing Women’s Health West bought a mini-bus before they’d even found a building?

Back in 1987, the funding for a women’s health centre in the west of Melbourne had just been awarded, and the steering group were undertaking consultations to find out what women wanted from the new service. When they realised that transport in the outer West was a real issue and women might not be able to participate in the consultations they decided to do something about it – and the minibus was part of the solution.

The minibus is just one of many little things that have jumped out at me as I browse annual reports, grill staff for juicy tidbits and track down past clients and workers. I’m asking lots of questions, from ‘How did this come to be the first women’s health service in Victoria?’ to ‘How come everyone has such great hair in those early photos?’

Mostly though, it’s great to hear from women in their own words, about their memories of Women’s Health West.

Women’s Health West was a very different place when it first opened in 1988 as the Women’s Health Service.

Two doctors were employed and much of the work was providing direct health services to women. But the remarkable thing is how close the service has stayed to its original vision. The objectives in the first annual report are still key to what we do, still vital – empowering women to have control of their own bodies and their health, working with other services to better meet women’s health needs and conducting research to define these

Photo: Vivienne Mehers

It seems like such a small thing, but in researching the history of Women’s

Health West I found the minibus story really stayed with me. It captures an early commitment to making the service accessible and inclusive to women right across the region. And it’s a thread that runs right through WHW’s history - we’ll support women to have their say, even if it takes a long drive on a bus to do that.

Women’s Health Service for the West sign at Droop Street, circa 1989.

L-R: Back row: Jamie Terzi, Alba Spirli, Bernice Murphy, Sue Farnan, Veronica Garcia, Kerrie Taylor Middle row: Alison Elliot, Debbie Smith, Jo Christmas, Anita Carroll, Patricia Papsis, First row: Joan Eddy, Annette Sassano, Alejandra Maggi

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“You know I got here and I thought, oh it’s just a 9 month project and then I look up and it’s 18 years on. That’s amazing, I never expected to be here for that long.”

Lindy Corbett, Project Worker, Sunrise Women with a Disability Support Group

Girls Talk, Guys Talk at Hoppers Crossing needs. How the work happens has changed a lot, and so have the hairstyles, but it’s surprising how little else has.

The best thing about the history book project is the chance to celebrate all the women who have come through Women’s Health West over the past 21 years. Talking to Lindy Corbett, about her work with women with disabilities, I learned about the early days of the service at Droop Street. On turning up for her job interview in 1991, Lindy said: “I walked in and I really felt like I’d reached a safe harbour.”

Lindy credits the supportive staff team for her long stay at the service. ‘You know I got here and I thought, oh it’s just a 9 month project and then I look up and it’s 18 years on. That’s amazing, I never expected to be here for that long.’

But the book is not just about workers: I’ve been meeting with women who participated in groups, accessed support and sat on the board. The book will be rich with women’s voices.

Speaking to women who have used the family violence service has been a humbling part of the research. I’ve found that many women are keen to talk, despite how hard it is, as they believe that others can benefit from their experience. As one woman said of her story, she hopes that “if other women read it, they’ll see no matter how hopeless the situation may feel or how violent and persistent the perpetrator, there is a new life waiting.”

I hope that the history book will be a record of Women’s Health West that does give hope, as we remember all the hard work and passionate women who’ve been a part of the story. Plus keep an eye out for some great 80s haircuts!

Women’s Health West will launch the history book at our 21st party and AGM on from 4pm Wednesday 25 November 2009 (Incinerator Arts Complex, 180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds) so mark the date in your diary to come and celebrate with us. Keep up to date with all the news on the project at www.whwest.org.au

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irls Talk, Guys Talk is a health promoting schools project coordinated by Women’s Health West and focussing on year nine students’ sexual and reproductive health. The last school to host the project was Laverton P-12 and earlier this year, Girls Talk, Guys Talk commenced at the Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.

The project is off to a flying start!

As a starting point, the project worker and school nurse engaged with students, staff and parents to explore the range of factors that face young people regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Through this process we will identify the specific needs of the school community and plan how best to meet those needs. Local agencies have also been invited to discuss ways that they can participate in the project.

In term one, the school nurse and the project worker established a school staff and local service providers reference group. The Girls Talk, Guys Talk reference group is an external and internal cross-team working group, established to ensure coordination and cross-fertilisation of ideas, plus planning and monitoring the project work. Membership is comprised of the school principal, assistant principal, secondary school nurse, student welfare co-ordinator, curriculum coordinator, pastoral care and curriculum co-ordinator. External representation involves the Women’s Health West project worker, and representatives from Wyndham Council Youth Services and ISIS Primary Care Health Promotion.

The student working group was also established by the school nurse and the project worker during term one.

The Girls Talk, Guys Talk project values students’ contribution so the student working group’s aim is to contribute to the development and running of the project. A bunch of eighteen lively students with great enthusiasm for the project form the student group and they are currently determining the creative component of the project. A number of the students in the group have expressed

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an interest in creating music. The local council youth worker will be working with the students to develop some musical compositions relaying healthy messages about sexual health and sexual decisionmaking. We plan to engage parents in the project through this creative element.

The research phase of the project has involved qualitative and quantitative methods that have assisted the school to plan the year nine sexuality education course for delivery in term three. Some of the topics raised as significant issues amongst students (and subsequently incorporated in the curriculum) include body image, self esteem, sexual decision-making, bullying, homophobia, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and relationships. The school nurse and the project worker will support teaching staff to deliver the program to improve the chances of this work being sustained over time.

Racism amongst students has been shown to be a significant issue at the school during this problem identification stage. As a result, year nine students will participate in a full term of anti-racism education based on the Foundation House model. The policy development stage of the project will also incorporate racism and anti-racist strategies.

The success of the project relies heavily on partnerships and those within and outside the school are flourishing. The school nurse - the key school contact - has embraced the project and is enabling many of the project objectives.

The project has already achieved a great deal due to the wonderful cooperation of internal and external partners and the students’ enthusiasm.

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Research indicates women with disabilities are at least twice as likely to experience family violence than other women and 83 per cent of women with intellectual disabilities are sexually abused.

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There are approximately 12,000 women in the north west metropolitan region of Melbourne who receive a disability pension.

Sobsey, D. & Doe, T., Journal of Sexuality and Disability, ‘Patterns of Sexual Abuse and Assault’,1991.

Stay Safe, Stay Home

WHW responds to violence against women with disabilities

Deborah Armour, Disability Intensive Case Manager

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omen, as a group, have less access to political, social and economic power than men as a group. For Indigenous and CALD women this is even less, and less again for women with a disability.

This places women with disabilities in positions where they are more likely to experience family violence than any other group, including men with a disability.

The imbalance of power between a woman with a disability and her partner/ carer/family member is more catastrophic when this power is abused. A woman with a disability who experiences family violence is often dependant on the person abusing her for her daily needs, leaving her less likely to report the abuse. According to recent reports, she is also less likely to be believed if she does disclose abuse1. Not only is she more vulnerable to abuse, she is less likely to access support to escape and has reduced access to options to escape family violence! This compounds each woman’s vulnerability to violence.

Since the 1970s we have achieved greater recognition of family violence and its impact on women, children and the community. Women’s refuges and support services are now financially supported by state and federal governments. Another sign that family violence is being taken seriously as a crime in Australia is the introduction of

1 Victorian Women with Disabilities Network, Building the Evidence: A report on the status of policy and practice in responding to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria, VWDN, Melbourne, 2008.

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state laws that specifically address family violence2. Over the last few years both state and federal governments have introduced public education campaigns focusing on violence against women.’3 We have also seen an increase in funding to women’s outreach support and counselling services through the introduction of the Integrated Family Violence Reforms in Victoria. (See p.

6 for a report on the Family Violence Round Table meeting in May this year.)

‘Disability is a social construct in the same way gender is.’

Women with Disabilities Australia, Resource Manual on Violence Against Women With Disabilities, ‘More than just a ramp: A guide for women’s refuges to develop disability discrimination act action plans’. WWDA, 2007. p. 11.

Despite these achievements, women with disabilities continue to face isolation and barriers when accessing mainstream services, including family violence services. As a result, they are likely to experience the discrimination, lack of access to education, employment and family violence services as more disabling than their actual impairment.

In 2003, the Domestic Violence Resource Centre published a paper that named violence against women with disabilities as a human rights issue and called on the government and the family violence 2 Victoria’s Crimes (Family Violence) Act 1987 now replaced with the Victorian Family Violence Protection Act, 2008 3 Victorian Government 2008, ‘Enough’ and Federal Government’s 2007 ‘Australia Says No’ campaigns

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sector to act.4 Recently, both state and national women with disabilities advocacy networks produced materials to raise the awareness of violence toward women with disabilities. Women With Disabilities Australia provides information booklets aimed at encouraging family violence services to develop disability discrimination action plans.5 The Victorian Women with Disabilities Network produced a report in 2008 that highlighted initiatives undertaken by family violence services and made it clear that these services could do better. They offered recommendations to policy makers and service providers.6 Women’s Health West acknowledges that we can respond better to women with disabilities and, with support from the Department of Human Services, have introduced the women with disabilities intensive case management project: Stay Home, Stay Safe. The objectives of this two-year project are to:

••

Develop a family violence intensive case management program

4 Jennings, C., Triple Disadvantage: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, Melbourne, 2003.

5 Women with Disabilities Australia, Resource Manual on Violence Against Women With Disabilities, ‘More than just a ramp: A guide for women’s refuges to develop disability discrimination act action plans’. WWDA, 2007.

6 Victorian Women with Disabilities Network, Building the Evidence: A report on the status of policy and practice in responding to violence against women with disabilities in Victoria, VWDN, Melbourne, 2008.

&

MENTAL

wellbeing SOCIAL connectedness

Illustrations: Isis&Pluto

edition

that responds to the needs of women with a disability

••

Explore interagency collaborative frameworks that bring together disability and family violence support service responses to support women with disabilities to remain in their own home, with links to the community

••

Increase the capacity of generalist family violence and disability support workers to work with women with disabilities experiencing family violence

••

Develop inter-service linkages and referral pathways for women with disabilities who experience family violence to improve their access to services

••

Women’s Health West, with a number of other family violence and mainstream services, attended disability action plan training provided by the Department of Planning and Community Development. Over the next twelve months we plan to develop a disability action plan and register this plan with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

We are committed to developing services that better respond to the needs of women with disabilities, and to enhancing the capacity of local disability services to identify family violence and work with WHW and other family violence services to respond to family violence.

Estimated Rates of Disability (Per 1,000 Females) by Disability Types Western Metropolitan Sub-region Local Government Areas, 2003 Source: NDA Small Area Estimates 2003

Generally, there are higher rates of physical disability among females and higher rates of sensory, acquired and intellectual disabilities among males. The rates of psychiatric disability are only slightly higher for females compared with males, with the exception of Melbourne where the reverse is shown.

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whw news edition 2 • 2009

Power On moves across the western region to Tasmania and beyond Sally Camilleri, Health Promotion Worker

About Power On

T

his 12 week program aims to encourage women who experience mental illness to enhance their wellbeing, to identify and address their health needs and to gain support to do so from loved ones and service providers.

Photo: Sally Camilleri

Richmond Bridge, Tasmania.

A crucial aspect of the Power On program is peer education. A peer educator has been involved in every phase of the program, from research to development, delivery and evaluation.

Power On is underpinned by feminist frameworks that recognise structural inequality and uses a social model of health recognising women as experts in their own health. This model acknowledges the value of women sharing their experiences and expertise with one another. In this context, a peer educator is a woman who has experienced mental illness. She generously shares her life experience and personal abilities with those who have had similar experiences in an effort to develop shared knowledge about enhancing wellbeing.

The peer educator and project worker consulted over fifty women who experience mental illness, their loved ones and service providers across the western region. These conversations revealed ten themes that women identified as important to their health and wellbeing including self esteem, body image, positive thinking and methods of accessing information.

The model addresses the specific needs of women who experience a mental illness. We use a workshop style that actively engages women and encourages them to recognise their strengths and resilience. Tools designed to enhance wellbeing are explored together as a group.

An external evaluation found that past participants attributed positive changes in their attitudes and behaviours to Power On. They understood the learning objectives in a broad and holistic way, rather than separating the topics. For example, the simple activity of going for a walk was understood to be

Photo: Kirsten Campbell

PHOTOGRAPHER Sally Camilleri

Power On facilitator training

whw news edition 2 • 2009

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useful for self-esteem, an opportunity for positive thinking, a way to reduce symptoms of menopause, relaxation and time-out, and as exercise.

We have developed a guide to implementing the program with training resources including fact sheets, session plans and activity plans for the twelve modules. This manual is only available to participants in Power On facilitator training.

This is a very exciting time for those involved in the long journey of developing Power On. The success of this thoroughly researched model has been inspiring and is recognised by peer educators, women who have participated and service providers involved. We are keen for more women who experience mental illness to benefit. This phase explores ways of distributing the program while maintaining the integrity of the model.

The Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust provided Power On with funding to implement the program in six mental health agencies across the western region. As part of their application to be involved each mental health service demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment to the program.

Successful agencies nominated two women from their staff team to learn how to deliver the program within their service and all agencies received a user’s manual.

The workshops were wonderful, the activities are fun, you can help but want to be a part of it. I’m excited and confident to run it in our service, especially with the manual, it’s great.

Facilitator training participant Agencies co-facilitate the program with one of our trained and supported peer educators. Women’s Health West provides mental health services

with ongoing assistance in this intensive capacity-building phase.

During March and April, Roslyn or Jenny (WHW Peer Educators) delivered the program with staff from Western Region Health Service in both their inner and outer western sites. Ros and Jenny started new programs with the Mental Illness Fellowship and Norwood Association in June, with plans to deliver Power On with ISIS Primary Care and Doutta Galla from September to November 2009.

Meanwhile, an exciting partnership has been brewing with two services in Tasmania. Women’s Health Tasmania and Spire (a Tasmanian mental health service) share our goal of supporting women who experience mental illness to enhance their wellbeing: the basis of a very solid partnership. Women’s Health West delivered training to Tasmanian staff from both services to implement Power On. They secured funding to make this happen over the next year.

It is very generous of Women’s Health West to share this work with us… I am so glad that someone has developed a program that captures how we work.

Tasmanian women’s health staff member It is fantastic to see Power On moving beyond Women’s Health West. We have received much interest in implementing the project from Victorian mental health services outside our region. Others have offered ideas for adapting Power On to specific needs, for example when working with young women or women from specific cultural backgrounds.

Our challenges are to ensure that the integrity of this model is maintained; that peer educators are appropriately trained, paid and recognised as pivotal to the program; and to secure sustainable funding to make this possible.

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Fact sheets used in Power On facilitator training

Design: Sarah Marlowe

whw news edition 2 • 2009

Is your local government councillor committed to your wellbeing?

Women’s Health West take action on women’s health and safety Kirsten Campbell, Health Promotion Worker

I

n November 2008, every local council went to the polls on the same day.

Women’s health services recognised this as a terrific opportunity to advocate for a stronger women’s health agenda in local government. Women’s Health in the North employed a project worker to re-write the 10-point plan for women’s health (the Women’s Health Association of Victoria’s state plan) for a local context. ‘Safe, Well and Connected: Victorian Local Government Action Plan for Women’s Health 20082012’ emerged from this work. WHW, like our sister services, approached all candidates and asked them to commit to implementing the plan, if elected.

The plan outlines concrete actions that councils can undertake to promote women’s health and wellbeing. These include developing a women’s health and wellbeing strategy and action plan; partnering with Women’s Health West to develop a western region strategy to prevent violence against women; and improving women’s economic participation through various means.

These actions recognise the needs of women and men and the importance of tailoring services, programs and policies to women’s needs.

Women’s Health West invested considerable time and energy into the campaign, both in the ‘signing up’ and ‘following up’ stages. Our CEO, Robyn Gregory has delivered presentations to five of our seven local councils, encouraging them to develop plans and strategies that are specific to women.

“Dr Gregory’s presentation provided senior management and councillors with an insight into how local government can promote women’s health issues within their municipality,” said Alexandra Sosa, Coordinator Social Planning and Development, Hobsons Bay City Council.

To find out more about ‘Safe, Well and Connected’, contact Katherine Koesasi, Manager Health Promotion, Research and Development on 03 9689 9588, or katherine@whwest.org.au

Research Update

Beyond Symptoms:

Looking at layers of discrimination Age + Gender + Diversity Joy Free, Researcher “There are not enough opportunities for girls to feel safe in voicing their concerns or needs.”

B

eyond Symptoms is an ongoing research project exploring the complexity of women’s lives, particularly women’s experiences of compounding discrimination. Women’s Health West has run a series of workshops with young women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and those who work with them. Participants came from a broad range of backgrounds representing the inner and outer west and shared their experiences of multiple discrimination associated with their ethnicity, religion, gender and age. These layers of discrimination impact on young women’s right to safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Young women identified a range of issues that impact on their health and safety including:

“Showing yourself in public as who you really are (e.g. wearing a head scarf or a long skirt) people laugh at you because you are different. Schools are not flexible. A Muslim girl left because she wasn’t able to wear a longer skirt because it was not part of the uniform.”

Young women identified actions that could improve their health and safety including:

One in three young women in the West of Melbourne are born overseas.

More than two thirds of women aged less than thirty have settled through the humanitarian stream of migration including refugees. Emerging communities of young women in the west are from South East Asia (Burmese, Karen) and Africa (Liberian, Sierra Leonean and Burundi). There are relatively high proportions of women aged 15-24 years from China and India.

(Data sources: WHW Databook and Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues) “You have more responsibilities than brothers for housework and childcare. You have less time for yourself and for study.”

••

Juggling family, community, study and work responsibilities

••

Discrimination in opportunities for education and employment

••

Managing cultural expectations and clashes

•• ••

Sexual harassment and sexual assault Family conflict, violence and abuse

“We want to feel equal, to have no racism and to have the right to choose partners and between options for your life. It’s about having freedom of choice…”

••

Creative workshops for young people on racism and sexism

••

Education and support for parents on western culture, legislation and human rights

••

Young women-only safe spaces and activities

••

Workshops for service providers to consider the needs of young CALD women

••

Opportunities and events to learn about and celebrate different cultures

Women’s Health West is currently developing a resource for service providers in the western region to advocate for the needs of young CALD women.

For copies of the resource and evaluation form or for any other information on this project please contact Joy on 03 9689 9588 or joy@whwest.org.au

Quotes taken from focus groups conducted by Women’s Health West with young CALD women in early 2009

whw news edition 2 • 2009

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Photo: Kevin

Robyn Gregory (far right) at the Western Region Football League’s Women in Football Foundation season launch

Dr Robyn Gregory, Chief Executive Officer

W

e are delighted to announce that the Western Region Football League’s Women in Football Foundation have once again raised funds for Women’s Health West, through the sale of temporary tattoos. This is the second year that the foundation has supported us, consolidating a strong and mutually supportive partnership between the two organisations, who share the goal of encouraging and strengthening participation by diverse groups of women in the western region.

I attended the season launch on 27 April, along with my daughter, Anna Schwager, who had been invited to speak as a Victorian Women’s Football League player. Anna agreed to this after l assured her that no one she knew would be present. It came as quite a surprise to both of us to discover that the first speaker was the foundation patron, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, followed by AFL Commissioner Justice Linda Dessau.

Both speakers highlighted the strength and resilience of women in the western region, as well as the importance of participation to women’s health and wellbeing. Anna then entertained us with some interesting facts on women’s football, followed by Star News Group reporter, Charlene Gatt. On 27 July I attended the foundation’s ‘club night’ to receive a cheque for $1,000, which will go towards supporting our Girls Talk, Guys Talk program. (See p.9) We look forward to a continued partnership with the foundation and wish them all the best for the 2009 season.

Victoria University Western Warriors present cheque for $1, 854.80 to Nicola Harte from WHW

Bendigo Bank Charity Challenge Singrid Stewart

V

ictoria University students enrolled in the Wellness subject at Victoria University’s St Albans campus participated in the Bendigo Bank Charity Challenge as part of their assessment.

Bendigo Bank kindly contributed $250 and a mentor to each group and students chose to raise money for a charity in the western region of Melbourne. The purpose of this project was not only to raise funds for charity, but also to allow students to experience the benefits of volunteer work within the community.

Our group, the Western Warriors, researched possible charities with health and wellness in mind and were excited to find Women’s Health West!

Health West provide for women in the western suburbs of Melbourne also inspired us to give something back to the community. We brainstormed fundraising ideas and pooled our skills and networks to keep costs to a minimum. The successful fundraising events were a sausage sizzle held at Victoria University’s multicultural day and a trivia night. We also distributed collection tins on the counter tops of businesses throughout Melbourne.

We were drawn to Women’s Health West by their promotion and advocacy of women’s physical, emotional and psychological health, wellbeing and safety. The great resources and educational opportunities that Women’s

In the space of eight weeks we raised $1, 854.80 which was donated to Women’s Health West. The Western Warriors gained valuable experience and knowledge about the importance of volunteering and helping in the community. We thank Women’s Health West for all your hard work and tireless efforts in keeping the importance of women’s health and wellbeing in the forefront of people’s minds.

Funds for WHW

Lauren Eagle, Finance Manager

Women’s Health West would like to extend our thanks for the following financial contributions from March to July 2009.

Donations

Project Grants

$450 from Care with Quality

$11,250 from The Reym Fund for the 21st history book project

$1,854.80 funds raised by VU Students (see above) $1000 funds raised by Western Region Football League’s Women in Football Foundation (see above)

15

Donations to WHW are tax deductible. To find out more about making a donation please call 03 9689 9588 or visit www. whwest.org.au/docs/donate.pdf

whw news edition 2 • 2009

Women’s Health West Goes West

Australian Health Promotion Association Conference, Perth 2009 Kirsten Campbell, Health Promotion Worker

Photo: Nicole van Os

(L-R) Katherine Koesasi, Kirsten Campbell, Robyn Gregory, Sally Camilleri

‘A scintillating confluence of ideas’

T

hese were some of the responses WHW staff had to the Go West! Australian Health Promotion Association Conference in Perth, May 2009.

Photo: Sally Camilleri

Conference participant reading our Power On poster

‘A melting pot of stories and experiences’

Keynote speakers like Rob Moodie, Mick Gooda, and Trisha Broadbridge explored the daily themes of evidence and evaluation, advocacy and leadership, and action and innovation.

Law Reform Group: Working Together to Achieve Legislation Change (with Patty Kinnersly from Women’s Health Grampians); and Health Promotion and Prevention of Violence Against Women: Capacity Building with Organisations. We also displayed a poster titled Pushing Health Promotion Boundaries, Engaging with Other Sectors: The ‘Power On’ Experience.

Robyn Gregory, Katherine Koesasi, Sally Camilleri and Kirsten Campbell from Women’s Health West presented three papers: The Many Layers of Reflective Practice: Lead On Again and the Action Reflection Cycle; Victorian Women’s Health Services Abortion

Nicole Van Os, our colleague from Western Region Health Centre, presented ‘The Process is the Show, Lessons Learned in Cross Cultural Family Violence Prevention’ during the Victorian-led stream on family and interpersonal violence. We were

‘A chance to hear about others’ work and reflect on our own health promotion work’ heartened that an entire stream was devoted to one of Women’s Health West’s three health promotion priorities and proud that it was a Victorian led stream. These inspiring presentations told the stories of the many endeavours of the women’s health and community services across the West of Melbourne, and Victoria more broadly.

“The AHPA conference was a great time to find out what is happening in other parts of the country and to tell others about our work,” said Sally Camilleri.

To find out more about any of the projects discussed, please contact Women’s Health West, on 03 9689 9588.

Photo: Sally Camilleri

City at night from Kings Park

whw news edition 2 • 2009

Photo: Sally Camilleri

City at night from Kings Park

16

Membership form Membership is free. To apply, fill in this form and mail to Women’s Health West: 3 17–319 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC 3011 TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP

CONTACT DETAILS

I ndividual Voting Member (woman who lives, works or studies in the western metro region)

ADDRESS

NAME

SUBURB

rganisational Member O (organisation in, or whose client-base includes, the region)

PHONE (W)

POSTCODE

PHONE (H)

(Individual members only)

O R G A N I S AT I O N

EMAIL ADDRESS

C O N TA C T P E R S O N

S I G N AT U R E

D AT E

(This person is also eligible to attend and vote at our Annual General Meeting) POSITION

P lease send me more information about your professional development programs.

ssociate Non-voting Member A (individual or organisation outside the region)

Cut form along dotted line and fold here.

Tape end to create envelope.

WHW FARREP Fact sheets Women’s Health West’s Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (WHW FARREP) has introduced a set of user-friendly fact sheets for service providers on a range of topics: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Working with African Women to Address

note: their responsibility Health Needs t is the customer's to check that the artwork is correct, please check the delivery address details and the addressee details below the barcode. Contact Aust equired.

Howtoto Use addressing Mama and 2 standards will result in higher customer charges or cancellation of service.

Failure to adhere correct andNunu formatting note: Refer to the Reply Paid Service Guide or visit professionals www.auspost.com.au/replypaid A resource manual for health tresponsibility is the customer's to check responsibility that the artwork to check is correct, that the please artworkcheck is working correct, the delivery please address check thedetails delivery andaddress the addressee details and details the below addressee the barcode. details below Contact theAustralia barcode.Post Contact if any Aust ch Please check the artwork details thoroughly. Australia Post is not responsible for any errors. with African women affected by FGM equired.

Failure correcttoaddressing adhere to correct and formatting addressing standards and formatting will resultstandards in higher will customer result in charges higher or customer cancellation charges of service. or cancellation of service.

Refer Paid Service to the Reply GuidePaid or visit Service www.auspost.com.au/replypaid Guide or visit www.auspost.com.au/replypaid African Women’s Cross Cultural Exchange Day Please artworkcheck details the thoroughly. artwork Australia thoroughly.

Post is not Australia responsible Post isfor not any responsible errors. for any errors.

Font colour:details Black only Note: All components must be printed.

A summary of the themes Width: 110 mm X Length: 220and mm findings from this event

The artwork components must not be re-scaled. Re-scaling wil problems.

To access the fact sheets or for more information about

t colour: Black only Font FARREP, colour: Black WHW goonly to: www.whwest.org.au/community/ th: 110 mm X Length: Width: 220 110 mm mm X Length: 220 mm

Note: All componentsNote: must All be components printed. must be printed.

The artwork components The must artwork notcomponents be re-scaled.must Re-scaling not be re-scaled. will create Re-scaling processingwil problems. problems.

african.php

Cut form along dotted line and fold here.

Tape end to create envelope.

Delivery Address: 317 -319 Barkly St FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011

Delivery Address:Delivery Address: 317 -319 Barkly St 317 -319 Barkly St FOOTSCRAY VICFOOTSCRAY 3011 VIC 3011

Women's Health West Reply Paid 84523 FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 Women's Health Women's West Health West Reply Paid 84523 Reply Paid 84523 FOOTSCRAY FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 VIC 3011 17

whw news edition 3 • 2009

Mama and Nunu 2 Cath Mayes, Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator

M

any African women experience difficulties when accessing Australian health and other services due to language and cultural barriers, settlement issues and inability to access and navigate the health system.

In June 2009, Women’s Health West launched the second edition of Mama and Nunu, a manual for health professionals and those working with African women affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during pregnancy and birth.

Mama and Nunu has received much positive feedback since it was published in 2001 and continues to be in demand as a resource.

Mama and Nunu 2 (MN2) remains true to the original concept and introduces several new topics. MN2 explains the multiple and complex reasons for FGM and outlines the legal status of FGM in Australia.

MN2 is an electronic resource that we hope will help to improve access to timely and appropriate services by African women.

Download your copy of MN2 from www.whwest.org.au/community/african.php

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A range of brochures and fact sheets are available from our web site www.whwest.org.au

whw news edition 2 • 2009

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EVENTS AND NOTICES Daffodil Day Friday 28 August 2009

Women’s Only Swimming 6:30 – 8:30pm Every second Sunday Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre An opportunity for women to swim with other women and children (boys to the age of 6 years).

Ph: 03 9688 0298 www.wrhc.com.au

Newly-arrived Women’s Health Information Sessions Six week course for newly arrived women. Topics include sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth, immunisation, parenting and relationships, family violence prevention, and social support.

Phone Cath Shimmin, Women’s Health Nurse: 03 8398 4144

Daffodil Day is the largest national fundraising event for cancer research, education and patient support in the southern hemisphere.

The Cancer Council Victoria 1300 65 65 85 www.daffodilday.com.au

Pink Ribbon Day Monday 26 October 2009 Pink ribbon day helps our fight against breast cancer. Money raised through donations and sale of merchandise assists in funding research, prevention and education campaigns, and foster hope for those affected by this life-threatening disease.

1300 65 65 85 www.pinkribbonday.com.au

Young African Women’s Program Women’s Health West’s Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) is keen to support services working with young African women.

WHW FARREP offer consultative advice and support to organisations interested in developing and delivering culturally appropriate sexual and reproductive health education programs to African women aged 18-25 in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne. If your organisation is interested in taking up this offer of support please contact the FARREP team on 03 9689 9588.

Sunrise Women with Disabilities Group The Laverton and Werribee Sunrise Women’s Groups are for women with disabilities to meet in the outer west of Melbourne. Groups run from 10.30am-1.30pm on the first (Laverton) and last (Werribee) Friday of each month. Morning tea is provided and attendant care is available for all activities. Women’s Health West provide limited transport assistance to and from activities where necessary. All women with disabilities in the outer west are welcome to attend, celebrate life and meet like-minded women.

4 September 2009 BBQ in the Park Out and about with the Laverton Sunrise Women’s Group 10.30am-12.30pm. Meet friends, have fun and enjoy a yummy lunch.

Call Lindy for location details.

2 October 2009 Budgeting and Finance 10.30am-12.30pm at Laverton Community Centre For more information ring Lindy Corbett at Women’s Health West on Wednesday or Friday on 03 9689 9588 or email lindy@whwest.org.au

Radical Campaigns that changed Australia From Seeds of Dissent 2009! Celebrating Radical Australia. Calendar produced by 3CR 855AM, Melbourne’s activist radio station. Radical dates source by Iain McIntyre of the 3CR calendar team.

9 August 2009

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

21 August 2009

International Day of Peace

10 October 2009

World Mental Health Day

17 October 2009

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

25 August 1970

750 000 stop work for 3 hours over proposed Federal cuts to social services.

30 August 1971

Melbourne – Members of Women’s Liberation march against sexism in the union movement

23 September 1943

First women in the Australian parliament Dame Enid Lyons becomes a member of the House of Representatives for the United Australia Party, and the Australian Labour Party’s Dorothy Tangney takes a seat in the Senate representing WA.

3 October 1927

Aboriginal activists petition the NSW Government, demanding an end to the removal of Indigenous children

20 October 1989

Perth – 650 women and children take part in the annual Reclaim the Streets march

21 October 1916

Melbourne – The Women’s Peace Army leads a demonstration of 80,000 against conscription

3 November 1920

Aboriginal author and activist Oodgeroo Nooncuccal (Kath Walker) is born in North Stradbroke Island

10 November 1992

Over 200,000 people march and strike against the Kennett Government

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whw news edition 2 • 2009

Women’s Health West in the News

The Footscray Mail celebrated 150 years of Footscray and asked Robyn what she loves about the area.

Women’s Health West 317-319 Barkly Street Footscray 3011 phone fax email

9689 9588

9689 3861

info@whwest.org.au

website

Reem Omarit, one of our Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers at the launch of Mama and Nunu 2 (Mother and Baby 2), a manual for health professionals and those working with African women affected

by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during pregnancy and birth.

www.whwest.org.au

women’s health west ­– equity and justice for women in the west