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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,…
Expert Alert: Response to appointment of new Victorian LGBTIQA+ Commissioner
Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) is thrilled to hear the Victorian Government’s announcement of Joe Ball as the new Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities. Joe Ball, a proud transgender man and a tireless advocate for equality, steps into this pivotal role at a critical time for LGBTIQA+ communities across the state. Kit McMahon, CEO…
Expression of Interest: Join the Training for Respect Industry and Stakeholder Advisory Committee
———–The Expression of Interest has now closed——– We’re reaching out to the vibrant and diverse community within Victoria’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, including students and professionals within Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), to extend an invitation to join the “Training for Respect Industry and Stakeholder Advisory Committee.” This project, supported by the WorkWell Respect…
A Statement from WHISE on War, Peace and Security and its impact on women and children
As an intersectional feminist organisation committed to advancing the health, well-being, and safety of women, children and their communities, WHISE is deeply concerned about all the ongoing wars and armed conflicts across the world. It is crucial to acknowledge the disproportionate impact that power imbalances and access to military weapons have in perpetuating violence and…