Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week, Australia’s largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls, and gender-diverse people, continues to make a significant impact across the country.
In Orbost, the community came together for the first time to celebrate Women’s Health Week with an event hosted at St James Anglican Church Hall on Tuesday, September 3.
The event was organised by the Orbost Neighbourhood House, with generous sponsorship from the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Orbost Branch, Orbost Regional Health (ORH), Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, and the Rotary Club of Orbost.
Local personality Sam Osborn kicked off the event with her vibrant energy before turning to more serious matters, discussing recent changes to cervical screening tests.
Attendees were particularly interested to learn about the new self-test option now available to some patients, which can be accessed through clinicians or women’s health nurses at the Orbost Medical Clinic.
This screening is crucial in the fight against cervical cancer, a highly preventable disease caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
The test is recommended every five years for individuals aged 25 to 74.
Dr Nadira Anis, the current longest-serving GP at ORH, who has been with the practice for five years, gave an informative presentation on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and its potential complications, especially for young infants and the elderly.
Nikki Brown, whose role as director of community health at ORH emceed the event, provided an insight into Dr Anis’s remarkable resilience and dedication, noting her handling of challenges such as welcoming more than 60 temporary GPs in her time with the health service during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing patient evacuations by Chinook helicopters during the Black Summer Bushfires, and managing paper-based records during a cyberattack on the hospital for several months at a time.
One of the event’s key highlights was a stall hosted by Susie Bady from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local East Gippsland.
Susie informed attendees about the new service in Bairnsdale, which offers one-on-one wellbeing support and advice through Wellbeing Navigators and Peer Workers.
This free service is accessible to anyone experiencing psychological distress, mental health concerns, or alcohol and drug-related issues, as well as those caring for someone with these concerns.
A new site is expected to open in Orbost in 2025, providing local community members with valuable support on their recovery journeys.
Cindy Robinson, an Orbost local and CWA member, shared her personal health battle, emphasising the importance of early detection and knowing one’s body.
Her message resonated with many in the audience, highlighting the life-saving potential of early intervention.
Another focal point of the evening was the pelvic floor health presentation by Heather Daly from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health. Delivered via Zoom, Heather’s insightful session included tips on strengthening the pelvic floor and information on local support services.
The event also featured a range of engaging activities, including lucky door prizes, delicious food and pampering sessions with head and shoulder massages, nail painting, and free health screening checks for blood pressure and diabetes.
The evening succeeded in activating all facets of the mind, body and spirit, fostering a heartfelt and connected community atmosphere of likeminded women.
