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Senate inquiry into women’s health must reach the women the system usually misses
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) warmly welcomes the Senate’s decision to establish a Select Committee on Women’s Health, and thanks Senator Marielle Smith for the advocacy and leadership that brought it about. The Committee, which Senator Smith will chair, was established on 19 August. Its terms of reference cover postpartum healthcare, women’s pain…
Women’s mental health cannot be separated from women’s physical health
One in two Australian women is experiencing a mental health issue and almost one in four is experiencing severe psychological distress, according to Beyond the Surface 2026, released by Women’s Mental Health Australia. The report draws on a nationally representative survey of 9,000 women. The report finds women’s mental health is shaped by the pressures…
A platform to build on: WHISE responds to the 2026/27 Victorian Budget
Women’s Health in the South East approaches every State Budget from a clear position. We are the place-based, intersectional, primary prevention agency for women, girls and gender-diverse people across Victoria’s Southern Metropolitan Region. Our work sits at the intersection of health, gender equity, and the prevention of gender-based violence, grounded in the social determinants —…
WHISE welcomes historic investment in women’s health
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) applauds the Australian Government’s $573.3 million investment in women’s health, which will improve access, reduce costs, and expand choices for women across the country. WHISE CEO, Kit McMahon, said the announcement marks a critical step toward addressing long-standing gaps in women’s healthcare. “This is a game-changer for women’s…
Expert Alert: Women’s Health in the South East CEO responds to Minister for Health update on Inquiry into Women’s Pain
As the Victorian Minister for Health announced yesterday that 12,000 women and girls in Victoria have already shared their voices in the Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) and other Victorian Women’s Health Services are still listening and responding to women sharing their experiences. Kit McMahon, CEO WHISE said,…
WHISE Calls for Action: Championing Gender Equality and Respect After Yarra Valley Grammar Incident
In the wake of the deeply disturbing incident at Melbourne’s Yarra Valley Grammar School involving the objectification of female students, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) recognises the need for a community-wide discussion centered around a positive future vision for young men and boys. Kit McMahon, CEO of WHISE, acknowledged the gravity of the…
WHISE welcomes release of pay gap data, launches resource on how to close gap on International Women’s Day
The recent release of gender pay gap data from 5,000 private sector employers by the national Women’s Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has sparked heightened interest, with its unveiling marking a substantial advancement in our collective efforts to promote gender equality. “More than just the release of the data is the discussion and debate that surrounds…
Media Release: Call for Continued investment in Health Promotion and Primary Prevention
Victorian Government Enters Final Phase of 10-year Plan for Change As the public consultation on “Strong foundations: building on Victoria’s work to end family violence” closes, WHISE (Women s Health in the South East) has contributed an in-depth submission to the Victorian Government as it seeks input to help identify the actions it should prioritise…
Training for Respect partnership to address gendered violence in Victoria’s Vocational and Education Training Sector
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) is leading a groundbreaking initiative, as a new large-scale project funded by the Victorian Government, to combat workplace gendered violence. Supported by WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell Respect Fund, the project “Training for Respect” aims to establish a sustainable infrastructure for Victoria’s adult education and training sector to address and…