AYC – Newsletter Issue 6 – June 2025

June 2025 | Issue 6

AYC MAGAZINE | UPCOMING EVENTS, TRAINING & CAMPAIGNS | SECTOR NEWS & RESOURCES

Are You Covered Magazine Issue 4 is here!

Key features:

This issue focuses on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Gippsland with thought-provoking articles and useful information such as: 

• Stories from real Gippsland women sharing both positive and negative experiences of accessing care
• We highlight hero services and self-advocacy tips
• Resources for further support and information
• A handy infographic on the menstrual cycle

Thank you to members of the Gippsland public who submitted stories, feedback and have supported the past editions of the AYC magazine. To ensure we can continue creating the magazine in the future, we want to hear your thoughts about AYC Magazine Issue 4.   

Sexual and Reproductive Health Forum 2025

The Gippsland Sexual and Reproductive Health Forum celebrated its 14th year in 2025 with an inspiring and informative, day of learning and connection. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the Forum such a success!

Held on May 7, the event brought together passionate professionals and community members from across the region to share insights, explore new developments, and strengthen our collective commitment to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Gippsland. 

Highlights from the day include:

Catherine Bateman (Latrobe Community Health Service) discussed the Gippsland Abortion Care Cascade, focusing on improving access and choice for all pregnant people in our region.

Jane Stratchan (Federation University Gippsland) explored the impact of pelvic health and the support available locally.

Dr Romey Giles (Latrobe Community Health Service) provided valuable updates on guidelines for heavy menstrual bleeding and local support pathways.

Sexual Health Victoria offered a first look at the upcoming Menstrual Health and Pelvic Pain Program set to be introduced in Victorian schools from 2025 – 2027.

We sincerely thank our speakers, organisers, partners, and all participants for making this year’s Forum one to remember. It was fantastic to see so many attendees engaging in thoughtful conversations and sharing ideas to improve SRH outcomes across Gippsland. Your ongoing dedication is helping build a healthier, more informed, and more inclusive community.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2026!

Upcoming Events, Campaigns & Training

Women’s Wellbeing Conversations

Gippsland Women’s Health, in collaboration with Sexual Health Victoria, South Gippsland Hospital and Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, invites you to two free community events focused on supporting women and gender diverse people in Gippsland.

Together, we’ll talk openly about perimenopause, menopause, and mental wellbeing – sharing experiences and building better pathways to support.

The Women’s Health Mobile Clinic is coming to Gippsland! 

You can book a free 45-minute appointment with a nurse to talk about your sexual and reproductive health, general wellbeing, and get important health checks like cervical and bowel screening.  This service is available to women of all ages and teenagers, providing care close to home.

Keep an eye on Gippsland Women’s Health Socials for more details 

Upcoming Women’s Health Mobile Clinic locations:

• Foster: August, September 2025
• Yarram: September, October 2025
• Mallacoota:  October, November 2025
• Orbost: November, December 2025
• Omeo: December 2025

Menstrual Health and Pain Education Program in Schools

Menstrual Health and Pain Education Program in schools, register now! Sexual Health Victoria (SHV), in partnership with the Department of Education, will deliver free Menstrual Health and Pelvic Pain Education sessions in Victorian government schools from 2025 to 2027. When you register SHV will contact you to schedule a session at your school and provide further details. 

Training & Webinars

Webinar Launch: Framing Sexual and Reproductive Health – Effective health communication goes beyond facts — it speaks to people’s values.

Introduction to the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas– This introductory course outlines what the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas has to offer, and how it can be used to inform policy, planning, advocacy and emerging priorities regarding women’s health and gender equality. (FREE)

Abortion, Contraception and Sexual Health: Supporting Client Access This short course has been developed by 1800 My Options, and will provide you with an understanding of contraception, abortion and sexual health rights and options in Victoria and the barriers that can affect access to sexual and reproductive health services.  (FREE)

Early Medical Abortion– This short online course provides foundation knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive best practice early medical abortion care. (FREE)

Sector News & Resources

Resources

• GCASA Prevention Education Calendar 2025 Prevention Education Calendar 2025 
• The Abortion Project is expanding to Melbourne. – Peer support groups for those who have had an abortion The Abortion Project
• East Gippsland Shire council are offering rebates on reusable menstrual products Form: Reusable Product Rebate Application Form (eastgippsland.vic.gov.au)
• The Women’s Health Atlas has updates  Victorian Women’s Health Atlas
• Labia Library Women’s Health Victoria developed the Labia Library to address common myths about what ‘normal’ labia look like and promote positive body image. The site provides information about anatomy, the functions of the labia, and concerns that people may have about their labia, as well as resources for health practitioners, health educators, and parents and carers. 
• Free pads and tampons in shopping centres. 
  Shopping centres will soon host vending machines as part of the broader statewide rollout. This rollout follows the successful first phase of the program, during which over 25,000 period products were dispensed from vending machines across metropolitan Melbourne. When complete, 1,500 machines will be installed at up to 700 sites across the whole of Victoria, helping people across the state gain access to the pads and tampons they need to lead fuller, healthier lives.

Surveys

• Gippsland Women’s Health is currently updating the Healthy Women, Healthy Gippsland Report Card — a vital resource built from the lived experiences and perspectives of women, girls, and gender diverse people across our region. This report helps us better understand and advocate for the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities.We invite you to support this important work by contributing your own experiences and by helping us share the project through your workplace, networks, and community. Take the survey here!

Test Kits 

• Free HIV Test Kit
• Free STI Testing Kit for rural Victorians aged 25 and under 

Services

Sexual & Reproductive Health Hubs 

The SRH hubs offer services such as contraception options, abortions, STI testing and treatment, and cervical screening.

Clinic 281 Bairnsdale (Monday – Wednesday)

Latrobe Community Health Service (Tuesday – Friday)

Find a SRH Service near you:

1800 My Options (Monday – Friday)

For any AYC queries or feedback on what you’d like to see in this newsletter please contact me via Marleigh.Andrews@gwhealth.asn.au

Kind regards, 

Support Services