Women's Health Northern Rivers

18/12/2025

During the past financial year Women's Health Northern Rivers has continued to empower women and strengthen communities across the Northern Rivers. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025:

With government funding we were able to expand services, reduce wait times, and reach more women in need. Our team of counsellors, social workers, and nurse provided trauma-informed support for health and resilience. Women reported improved wellbeing, confidence, and connection because healing happens in safe, supportive spaces.

We’re breaking barriers to health access and creating pathways for women to thrive.

Follow us for updates on workshops, services, and ways you can support WHNR. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities.

To read our Annual Report in full please follow this link:https://whnr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WHNR-Annual-Report-Final-20242025.pdf

17/12/2025

Over the summer months we will be posting a short series on sexual choking.

The digital space is making it seem like everyone is doing it, and that this sexual activity is risk-free. This can lead to situations where people are choked without specifically agreeing to it (sexual violence) as well as serious health consequences for the person being choked. We want everyone to know that every time you choke someone, or let someone choke you, there is a risk of serious injury, brain injury and death.

For more information go to: www.itleftnomarks.com.au or contact us for support.



Resources by Women's Health NSW

17/12/2025

We had a lovely end of year celebration today at Mumbo’s Pizza and Pasta. We’d like to thank all of you for following us here on the socials, dropping in, attending a group, engaging our support and coming to an event this year.

We look forward to continuing to support women throughout the Northern Rivers next year and into the future!

15/12/2025

It's time to say farewell to 2025. We will be closing for a short break. Please follow this link for 24/7 support should you need it during our closing period: https://whnr.org.au/contact/

11/12/2025

Introducing Our New Acting CEO – Emma Siegel

Women’s Health Northern Rivers is delighted to welcome Emma Siegel as Acting CEO. Emma brings extensive experience across the community and disability sectors, as well as a strong background in research management, ethics, and governance.

For the past 18 months, Emma has been an integral part of WHNR as Women’s Health Service Manager, leading initiatives that support women’s health and wellbeing across the Northern Rivers. With qualifications in psychology and public health, Emma is passionate about improving access to inclusive, trauma-informed care and fostering innovative, community-driven health initiatives.

10/12/2025

Are you interested in participating in one of our group programs in early 2026? Please get in contact - we'd love to hear from you.

10/12/2025

Our Acting CEO, Emma Siegel, was interviewed yesterday about our recent funding announcement. We’re really thrilled to be able to extend our services to support more women throughout the Northern Rivers region. Watch the news story here:

Local women fleeing domestic and family violence will soon have better access to the support they ne

10/12/2025

Online violence against women human rights defenders, activists and journalists has reached a tipping point, often fueling offline attacks, according to a major new international report.

09/12/2025

Human rights are not optional. They are universal. On International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm a simple truth: everyone has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear, both online and offline.

For too many women and girls, especially those facing intersecting forms of oppression, these rights are still out of reach. Digital spaces have become new frontiers for abuse, harassment, and control.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism theme - UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls reminds us that digital safety is a human right.

Let’s keep fighting for a world where dignity, equality, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities.

The 16 Days end here but our fight continues. Stay engaged. Keep speaking out.

08/12/2025

Women everywhere are rising. Together, we’re striving to end gender-based violence. From cities to remote communities, from online platforms to grassroots movements, women are uniting across the globe to demand safety, justice, and respect.

This is more than a campaign. It’s a collective call to action.

Listen to survivors

Support frontline services

Challenge harmful norms

Advocate for change in every space you occupy

Because when women stand together, the world listens.

07/12/2025

Change starts here in our own communities. Across the Northern Rivers, from Lismore to Tweed, Ballina to Kyogle, women’s health services, community centres, and grassroots advocates are coming together to end gender-based violence. Women’s Health Northern Rivers is here to support you, we offer a range of group programs and social work and counselling.

Whether you're raising awareness, offering support, or challenging harmful norms, your voice matters. Local action is powerful. Let’s keep building safer, more respectful communities for all.

06/12/2025

Survivors deserve safe spaces - online and everywhere. Digital platforms should be places of connection, not harm. But for many survivors of gender-based violence, the internet can be a source of re-traumatisation, harassment, and silencing.

It’s time to change that. We need to believe, support and protect survivors.

Listen without judgment

Amplify survivor voices

Share survivor-led platforms and resources that prioritise safety, healing, and empowerment

Let’s build communities rooted in respect and care.

These organisations offer resources, peer support, and survivor-driven leadership:

Independent Collective of Survivors (ICOS) A national, survivor-led organisation in Australia working to end domestic, family, sexual, and gendered violence. ICOS amplifies lived experience to drive systemic change and policy reform.

Safe Speaks A global platform highlighting innovative approaches to support survivors, especially in humanitarian contexts. It shares survivor-led initiatives and trauma-informed practices.

In early 2026 WHNR will be re-introducing the Heartfelt House Pathways to Healing confidential 10-week support group designed specifically for adult women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

WHNR will continue to provide the Shark Cage group program - an 8 week supportive group program for women who have experienced domestic/family violence or sexual abuse in their lives – please get into contact for 2026 groups.

WHNR Domestic Violence Specialist, Counsellors and Social Workers are here for you – please get in contact.