Building Connections | Women's Health and Information Days
In September and October, we tackled women's health needs head-on, undertaking two community health and information events targeted at women. Held in Mackay and in Cannonvale, the motivations behind these events were through our work with Better Together Housing and conversations with community members in Cannonvale, where we heard that women needed better access to health information and more self-care awareness, but also, they needed ways to connect with one another.
The outcomes of these events surpassed expectations, demonstrating the community's eagerness to engage in conversations about their health and wellbeing. The Mackay event, held during Women’s Health Week in September, was an intimate gathering, that was supplemented with resources and information from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website, local services providing service information and guest speakers.
The Cannonvale Women’s Health and Information Day, hosted at the newly refurbished Student Collaboration Hub and Palmers Training Restaurant at QLD TAFE, drew participation from 21 service providers and over 20 women from the community, with many requests from women to return with another event in the future.
The success of the day was not just in the numbers but in the connections forged and the knowledge shared. The event served as a platform for building personal capability and health literacy, addressing not only individual needs but also fostering a sense of community and belonging. Two women from the community praised the event, one woman indicated that they “had never been to anything like this before, it was a really great day, with lots of great information.” Others asked if there would be another event like this in the future.
Big thanks to our partners, nbn Local, for the catering, and TAFE Queensland for providing the venue in-kind. Special appreciation goes to the hospitality students whose dedication and skills made the event memorable, creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity.
This marked our sixth Community and Information Day, a trademark initiative connecting communities across Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday. These events are fast becoming a trademark for us—a distinctive way to connect with the community and encourage interpersonal connections among community members.
The success of these events goes beyond the day itself. They contribute to building a stronger, healthier community by addressing not only physical health but also the social fabric that binds us together. The ripple effects of these initiatives are far-reaching, creating a positive influence that extends well beyond the event itself.
These Women’s Health and Information Days stand as a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration. It reinforces our commitment to fostering holistic wellbeing and connectivity, underlining that by coming together, we can create a community that thrives. We look forward to continuing this journey, building on the connections made and the positive impact generated.
Read Whitsunday News article here: Connecting women with health services | Whitsunday News
