Wellways

18/02/2026

Avid photographer Tanya, a former participant at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Wangaratta, has spent years exploring the lush yet rugged terrain of Northeast Victoria. “Nature regenerates itself,” she reflects. “And so can we.”

Tanya reached out early last year, after the sudden death of a close friend. When panic attacks, intense self-blame and isolation had taken hold, she leaned on her peer navigator, Eden for support.

“The peer space is special, it’s humans relating to human experiences and exploring them together,” Eden says. “I especially love witnessing women realise how capable they are of creating change in their own lives.”

Today, Tanya describes herself as “over the hump” and is using photography as a lens to find clarity, meaning, and change in her life and community. She has even created a calendar, which fundraised $1,000 for her Local in Wangaratta. It was in honour of her friend she lost to mental health challenges.

Read the full story on Tanya's mental health journey, work with Eden, and photography: https://bit.ly/3OzauIB

16/02/2026

Carers told us that accessing support in regional areas of Queensland and the Blue Mountains in NSW was often difficult, meaning they couldn't get to us. So we are coming to them! Meet Wanda our travelling carer support service 🚚.

25/01/2026

January 26 means different things to different communities across Australia.

For some, it marks the day they become Australian citizens, a joyful milestone in their migrant journey. For others, it’s a time to spend with loved ones, friends, neighbours and the wider community.

The day that brings to mind BBQs, beaches, and backyard cricket, and may hold special memories of people we’ve loved and lost.

However you spend it, this day is personal. At Wellways, we know the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not always fully seen or understood. When they tell us this day is painful or divisive, we believe it’s important to listen and acknowledge that pain.

Our commitment to reconciliation guides us to listen with honesty and respect. Inclusion means everyone is considered. And a day that divides is hard to celebrate.

16/01/2026

We usually share stories from participants, team members or volunteers, but this one is a little different.

Dan is a barista at Trims Café in Frankston. He makes a great cup of coffee, and it always comes with a smile, sometimes even a cheeky wink. For years, Dan has been supporting Wellways in a quiet but powerful way by creating a safe and inclusive space at the café where he works.

Every week, Program Coordinator Jodie Dore runs a coffee group at Trims Café. Dan is always there, warm, welcoming and genuinely invested in making every participant feel they belong.

As Dan puts it:

“I love seeing the Wellways group enjoy their weekly coffee catch-up, connecting, laughing and just being awesome. Making their coffees is a privilege for me.”

But coffee isn’t Dan’s only talent.

At a recent catch-up, the group had the chance to return the love by celebrating the release of Dan’s debut novel, Spencer Sparkles, an LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age story about being different, discovering who you are, and finding your magic.

This is what community inclusion often looks like. Not big gestures, but everyday kindness. A friendly face. A safe space. And people who help others shine.

Thank you, Dan. Not just for the epic coffees, but for the sparkle you bring to our community🌈💫

23/12/2025

If you're experiencing 'festive season burn out' it's time to make some time for yourself, and check in on your wellbeing. Turn off notifications and ignore your phone for a while and instead take a quiet walk in nature. Say "No" to added tasks or requests you haven't signed up for, and remember to have a laugh with friends or by yourself.

21/12/2025

Small acts of kindness might not fit under the tree, but they’ll light up someone’s world just the same🌲Visit a person in your life who may be feeling lonely or call a friend to let them know they matter🫶 You can even help a loved one with household chores and grocery shopping to lighten their load; or if you know a carer, relieve them of their caring duties for a couple of hours, so they can have a moment for themselves.

19/12/2025

Meet Tim!

Tim is an artist who receives support from Wellways, and last month he was one of 40 local artists selected to exhibit at the Art-Ability Exhibition in Gippsland, hosted by Aruma .

Tim describes art as “a way to express my feelings, thoughts, and mood to tell a story from beginning to end."

One of Tim’s pieces on show was a papier-mâché shark, created using recycled items including a washing basket, tennis ball and plastic containers.

Wellways Disability Services Gippsland Service Manager, Nicholas Colicchia, attended the exhibition and reflected on the atmosphere:

“There was a real sense of joy and togetherness, especially among the artists sharing their work. When different service providers who share the same values come together to celebrate the talents of the people we support, it has a huge positive impact on the community.”

Behind the scenes, Tim was supported by two of his biggest fans: his Wellways support workers, Arshdeep and Wes, who helped bring his artwork to the gallery wall.

We’re proud to support people like Tim to share their creativity, build confidence, and connect with their community.

10/12/2025

The holidays can be a lot, so give yourself permission to slow down, set boundaries, and do what actually feels good for you. Be a Grinch and own it😉🌲

03/12/2025

For International Day of People with Disability - Australia, we're sharing Michael’s story – a reminder that disability doesn’t limit participation, ambition, or joy. Life changed for Michael almost a decade ago, but his commitment to staying active, connected, and part of his community didn’t.

Today Michael runs a business, helps manage his family farm and competes nationally in lawn bowls. He even travelled to Sri Lanka for his son’s wedding, with his support worker Kim by his side the whole way.

“Putting yourself out there is the hardest part… but you’ve got to allow yourself to be seen. Being out in the community shows people what inclusion really looks like,” says Michael, who became a paraplegic in 2018.

“I had 47 great years before my accident. Now I’ve got different opportunities. And I’m grabbing them.”

Refusing to slow down, Michael continues to show what’s possible when barriers are removed and people are supported to live the life they choose. Read our full story on Michael, here: https://bit.ly/44CxR9j

24/11/2025

Sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you’ve got to make grandma’s lemon slice!

Meet Sarah. From a young age she’s faced big challenges including homelessness, trauma, and family violence. More recently, Sarah has been rebuilding her life after a serious car accident left her with a physical disability that impacted her mental health. She felt every door had closed on her, until she discovered the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Lilydale, Victoria.

“I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t made that call from outside the Emergency Department.” Sarah says. “I spoke to Mel, a peer navigator, who is now one of the most important people in my life.”

Now, each week, Sarah brings the team home-made lemon slice, using her late grandma’s secret recipe. “She was always there for me but now she’s gone, I get to share a piece of her love with these amazing people! The Local is my second home, and the team feel like family.”

There’s no wrong door at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. Hope and connection can change a life.

Read more about Sarah’s story here:

Confronted with life’s toughest challenges, Sarah turned to her grandma’s recipe, found a new home and rediscovered her sparkle.

12/11/2025

The podcast exploring the lives of carers is back! Episode 1 of Tune in to Care Season 3 is out now on all your favourite podcast platforms.

This season we’ll get to know four inspiring carers and through their experiences we’ll explore how caring is timeless, but the way we support those supporting others is constantly evolving.

We’re also welcoming a new host in Billy Bentley, a fresh video format and more honest and real conversations about the challenges, victories and goals of carers.

In episode 1 you’ll get a sneak peek of what’s ahead: carer stories, expert insghts and the central theme of the season – how innovation can help carers thrive both in their caring role and in the pursuit of their personal goals.

Listen now, share, subscribe and join us in highlighting carer voices here: https://bit.ly/3WRquH0

11/11/2025

Today we're sharing the voices of veteran and defence community carers including Megan Humphreys, spouse of veteran, author and Wellways partner Kevin Humphreys - Keynote Speaker.

Their stories remind us that service doesn't end with a uniform, it continues in the work of love, advocacy, and resilience of those who support our veterans through life after service.

If you or someone you know is caring for a veteran, Wellways Carer Gateway is here to support you. To find out more about supports available for you, visit https://bit.ly/3Xm104B