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The work across ten councils continues. WHISE appoints an Acting Chief Executive Officer and opens the search for a permanent appointment.
Zoe Francis will act in the role of Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Health in the South East from 21 September 2026, while the Board conducts an open recruitment process for a permanent appointment. Applications for the permanent role close at midnight on Sunday 27 September 2026. “Zoe Francis knows this region and she knows…
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…
The Senate is asking women about their health. Here’s what WHISE is keen to share.
Some good news. On 19 August the Senate agreed to establish a Select Committee on Women’s Health, on a motion moved by Senator Marielle Smith, who will chair it. We want to start by thanking her. Committees like this do not appear by themselves. This one exists because a senator kept raising women’s health, year…
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 26 January Statement
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First peoples and the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways and skies where we live, work, rest and play. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. For some Australians, 26 January means barbecues…
Inquiry into Women’s Pain Confirms it’s Time to Redesign the Health System Around Women
10 November 2025 Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) has welcomed the release of the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain report, Bridging the Gender Pain Gap, describing it as a crucial step toward dismantling the systemic inequities that shape women’s health in Victoria. The report — informed by more than 13,000 women and…
WHISE Responds: Victorian Budget Shows Commitment to Women’s Health Despite Financial Constraints
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges the Victorian Government’s continued commitment to gender equity and women’s health in today’s budget, while noting concerns about future funding certainty amid the state’s financial constraints. “It’s clear from the budget papers that this state continues to be under significant financial pressure,” said Kit McMahon, CEO, Women’s…
WHISE secures La Trobe funding for new program that helps parents navigate teen consent and sexuality conversations
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) has been successful in securing funding through La Trobe University’s Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project — a national initiative focused on strengthening the evidence base for what works to prevent sexual violence in Australia. The funding will support the pilot and evaluation of a new program,…
WHISE at WHSN Conference 2024: Strengthening our collective impact
The Victorian Women’s Health Services Network (WHSN) Conference at Melbourne Town Hall on 13 February marked a significant moment for our sector. WHISE joined women’s health leaders from across Victoria to deepen collaboration and strengthen our approach to gender equality. Key themes emerging from the day included: The power of lived experience in shaping services,…