September October 2012

Quarterly Newsletter of the Gladstone Womens Health Centre

WHAG MAG
Inside this issue:
Meet Sandy our new manager Volunteer poem and appeal Friendship, Fun Fitness Happy Birthday WISE WISE Program and Recipe Meet Laraine Frost -supporter Coming Events and Fundraising Seeking members and patrons 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

In 2013 we will be Celebrating Twenty Years of Service to the Gladstone Region

WHAG applied, under the Queensland Association Incorporation Act 1981, for incorporation status and this was granted on 31 March 1993. The Gladstone Womens Health Centre was first established and opened for business on 17 June 1993

Historical background leading up to the opening of the Gladstone Womens Health Centre in June 1993
Before discussing the historical background of the Womens Health Awareness Group of Gladstone, consideration must be given to the political and social climate, both in Australia and internationally, that appeared to pave the way for the establishment of such an organisation. In the late 1960s and early 1970s women around the world began to unite and discuss their experiences of life, the world in which they found themselves, and factors impacting on their wellbeing. It soon became apparent that a mostly male dominated medical establishment, whose primary focus was on treatment rather than prevention, was not meeting womens health needs. From this began an era during which women fought to regain some control over methods of responding to their health needs, by being listened to rather than dictated to. They expressed the desire to be fully informed instead of being kept in ignorance and to be treated with respect, as adults capable of making their own decisions relating to their bodies and health. They identified that health is affected by social and economic environments and many factors impact on well-being such as relationships, being valued by society, freedom from fear and violence, as well as being respected and listened to. In an attempt to respond to these issues, many countries around the world, established womens health centres, which incorporated a more holistic approach to womens health rather than the medical model. In response to this movement in an Australian context, at the second national conference, Womens Health in a Changing Society, held in Adelaide in 1985 and attended by over 700 women, it was resolved that the development of a National Womens Health Policy should be undertaken based on the clear recognition of the position of women in society and the way this affects their health status and their access to health services appropriate to their needs.

If you are interested in playing an active part in planning the 20th Year Celebrations please express your interest to the Centre staff.

Complete history available

Compiled by Debra Wakefield September 2004

Funded by: Queensland Government

1

Annual General Meeting 17th October 5.30pm

Location to be advised
Todays Womens Health Centre is a result of the collective efforts of many women over more than twenty years and it is critically important that we women continue to work together.
From the heart.....
Hello Everyone, I could start by listing my qualifications but that would just be a list, so I thought why not just let you know a little about my life and why this role is important to me. I was born in Gladstone, raised in Targinnie then spent 12 years living in the Blue Mountains NSW, South Gippsland and Western Districts of Victoria, I returned to Gladstone in 2000. I have 3 sons, 7 step sons, 6 of the 10 have their own families this has given lots of beautiful Daughter in Laws, 6 Granddaughters and a Grandson - in short my life is truly blessed. There have been times when I never thought that I would be as happy and never imagined life could be wonderful, I have walked in many shoes that you may also have walked in Teenage mother, Career Women, Personal Career, Unemployed, Divorcee, Widow, Single Mother, and Wife in fact I own not one but many been there, done that Tee Shirts. I can honestly say without the assistance of Services and Support such as those here

Sandy Prizeman New Centre Manager

22nd August 2012

at the Centre I would not have found my feet and come out the other side. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling invisible like everyone else is so caught up in their own life they dont even see us. The dedicated staff at Centres such as ours can help to get you back on your feet and empower you to face fears and triumph over huge obstacles, they can and do bring hope to those who are feeling alone and lost in any situation. I may not have experienced exactly what you are going through but I understand firsthand what it is like to need support and encouragement and how valuable it is to a persons future, health and wellbeing. It is a great privilege to find myself the new manager of Womens Health and Sexual Assault Centre, I am looking forward to meeting you and also to making a difference in the lives of others.

It was with a mixture of regret, sadness and excited anticipation that Trischa Jackson moved on after 15 months as manager. When Trischa left on the 15th June 2012 she left with staff and managements sincerest thanks and good wishes.

You are invited to attend the

AGM
of the Womens Health Centre.

Sandy

This WHAG Mag has been produced in what are commonly known as the womens colours of purple, green and white. Purple for justice and dignity; Green for hope and White for purity.

Can you spare a few hours a week?

If you can answer phones, accurately record and deliver messages, do filing, shredding, photocopying and have a nonjudgmental attitude then being a volunteer receptionist at the Womens Health Centre might appeal to you. If you have some but not all of the skills then you are still welcome to volunteer with us and your skill level could very well improve with on the job support and training that is offered. Please ring Sandy (manager) to express interest or to find out more.

I am a Volunteer
By Sallie Davies

I am a Volunteer
I have responsibilities to stand up for myself, to listen and to learn. To be reliable, honest and understanding to be considerate of others, to allow other to have an opinion and to accept the agree boundaries of my commitment.

I am a Volunteer
Some say I am eccentric, others assume I am rich. I know I am free! My freedom lies in the choices I make, in the opportunities I can create and in the way I feel about myself.

I am a Volunteer
Some say that I am cost effective, other demand the service I deliver. I know I am willing to help. I care, and it feels right. I know that I am committed and that means I might be abused, taken for granted or forgotten. I try to understand . Responsibility works both ways.
This poem was originally distributed to all who attended the Fifth National conference on Volunteering in Perth WA in 1994

I am a Volunteer
I can dream. I can help to make that dream a reality. I cannot always do it alone. I can search for others with the dream and we can together create a vision.

I am a Volunteer
Some say I am a fool doing unpaid work I an unappreciative society. I value the unpaid work I do and to others lit can be untold wealth. I am free, and in my freedom I am rich in friendships, satisfaction and fulfillment.

I am a Volunteer
I need help and support, guidance and training. I need protection, consideration and appreciation from myself and from others. I need to learn and to grow in my volunteering. I need to know the feeling of others and to understand their expectations. I need flexible, clear and understanding direction. The work I do is free but it does not come free of charge.

Please let us know if you can spare a few hours a week.

Friendship Fun Fitness

At the Womens Health Centre (WHC) Tuesdays 8am to 8.45am

What is Friendship Fun Fitness

The Friendship, Fun and Fitness Program (FFF) is a Gladstone Regional Council initiative to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community. Friendship, Fun and Fitness is about promoting opportunities for everyone to come together, meet new Friends, have Fun and increase their Fitness in a safe and encouraging environment. The level of exercise should be set by the group and should be something that everyone can enjoy. With guidance from the FFF Program Coordinator, Angela Larose, Personal Trainer, the Womens Health Centre group has started a basic exercise routine suitable for people with mobility concerns. This group come together every Tuesday from 8 to 8.45 am in the enclosure behind the Centre. Brenda is the Group Leader ( Bachelor of Health Promotion and studying Certificate 3 in Fitness). info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au

Not boot camp Suitable for people with mobility issues Great place to start getting active Full body exercises Modifications explained Booking not required

49791456

Brenda: 0417639596

Brenda is the Group Leader ( Bachelor of Health Promotion and studying Certificate 3 in Fitness).

WISE
Memories

Happy 3rd Birthday WISE 2009-2012

WISE Women learn about healthy eating Recently the WISE Women were fortunate to have a talk by one of our members, Stacey McCosker, Naturopath & Nutritionist, from Gladstone Holistic Health, who showed us what to look for when trying to make healthy food choices. It is surprising which things make a difference and which are better for us and why. Thank you Stacey. You can contact Stacey on: Phone: 0439 746 538 Email: Stacey@gladstoneholistichealth.com .au Or find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GladstoneHolisticHealth

WISE also recently enjoyed Chair Yoga by Jasmine Anne White. Thanks Jasmine for a very information and relaxing session. Jasmine can assist with Kahuna Massage, Deep tissue, Reiki, Yoga, Meditation, body balancing, sound therapy and dance. Phone: 0468 554 8965 Email: liveeasily.bnatural@gmail.com

Got young children? Child Care available for WISE with advance notice.

Coming up at WISE
Child Protection Wed 5th Sept Childcare available (must pre-book)
Its National Child Protection week. Please join us for a presentation about protecting our societys children. Please bring a small gift for a child, which we can include in a hamper for the children at the Womens Shelter.

WISE Marys Pumpkin Scones

Mary shared her secrets for wonderful scones at a recent session of WISE. Add pumpkin and egg Add milk Add the flour and baking powder (mix with a knife only from this point) Test mixture it shouldnt be too sticky, and the knife should pull out easily. If its too sticky, add a little more flour. Turn onto a floured board Shape mixture into a rough rectangle about the height you want the scones, and dust flour lightly to make cutting easier Cut scones and place onto baking paper on an oven tray Cook in a hot oven for 15 minutes Turn out onto a cooling rack (dont wrap in a tea towel or they will sweat)

Ingredients:
2 cups Self-raising flour 1 cup (cooked) mashed pumpkin 2 oz butter or margarine 1 egg 2 oz sugar cup milk 1 rounded teaspoon of baking powder

Plant Day Wed 12th Sept

Bring along some plants/ cuttings/seedlings from your garden that you are happy to give away, and please share tips for growing these. If you dont have anything dont worry there is usually plenty for all, and we can all try to assist with any gardening questions, or just enjoy good company.

Method:
Cook pumpkin and sit to drain in a colander (tip: drain so its not too watery) Mash pumpkin and allow to cool to room temperature Cream butter & sugar together

Pams Morning of Surprises Wed 19th Sept Childcare available (must pre-book)
Think about best surprise you have received, and the you have given someone. What happens to our body when we receive/give a surprise? Do we get anxious, excited, happy, annoyed? There will be a pleasant little surprise for everyone this morning so please bring your air of excitement with you!

Kinesiology Wed 26th Sept

Jaclyn Meier will tell us about kinesiology and will include a demonstration . This should be an interesting, informative and relaxing morning .

Dragons Abreast Australia is a national

organisation comprised of breast cancer survivors (and some very special supporters). www.dragonsabreast.com.a u/index.htm

This painting by Laraine Frost was inspired by the dragon boat racing and reflects the courage and strength of those who tackle breast cancer. In 2011, Laraine kindly donated the painting to the Breast Buddies, a breast cancer support group, which runs at the Gladstone Womens Health Centre.

Dragons Abreast
members provide a "face" for the breast cancer statistics whilst spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing. High on our list of priorities is having fun, trying new things, meeting interesting people and being involved in a challenging, physical activity whilst promoting breast cancer awareness.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED My name is Laraine Frost. I am a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys painting and sculpture. As my husband & I live in Hervey Bay as well as Gladstone, it is hard to do forward planning to fit in my hobbies and family & social interests. I enjoy going to the WISE group when I can. It was pleasurable to do the fun & games day last year and to do Turning Over A New Leaf at WISE recently.
o

WOMENS HEALTH FOR ME Through my involvement with Womens Health, I gain the company of the WISE women and also gain pleasure by participating in some of the activities at the centre. WOMENS HEALTH SERVICES In 1996 I attended the Women Growing Stronger program after the sudden loss of my 22 year old son. The comfort and coping skills I was able to take away from that, coupled with other life experiences led me on the path to being a stronger & wiser woman. This led me to study Behavioural Science and go on to work as a workplace counsellor in the Gladstone Industries. The Centre offers support and strategies allowing coping skills to be learnt and practised. This can open up windows of opportunities, on both a professional level and personal growth. I have The Womens Health Centre to thank for that.

Last year I did a fun & games morning at WISE. I created a game about The Wright Family and the sight and sounds of everyone laughing was fun, funny and fantastic. MY DREAM FOR WOMENS HEALTH To continue to offer your wonderful services and programs. These are not a want, but a need. SOMETHING ELSE Referrals, supporting the Centre, funding and fund raising are equally important to the Centre. Therefore I like to help out whether it is raising funds, auctioning some of my paintings or giving some time. (Time is something I would love to have more of) but every little bit counts. EDITORS NOTE: Laraine also donated some of her paintings to be auctioned at the LBS Charity Ball in 2011 which raised much needed funds for the Centre. Thank you Laraine!

Dragonboat racing is an
aquatic sport in which a 12 meter long canoe-like boat, wide enough to sit 20 people (2 abreast) along with a sweep to steer the boat and a drummer, is paddled over a course of approximately 500 meters in length. During races a dragon boat will feature the head and tail of a dragon.

This is the dreaming tree I painted for the International Womens Day Celebrations which will be useful for other programs. In 2006 I also enjoyed assisting with a grief & loss. WOMENS HEALTH WOMEN It is obvious that all staff strive for positive goals by offering services for the good of the community. Assisting women has a chain reaction.

Annual Charity Art Auction in aid of the Womens Health Centre Gladstone
Saturday 22nd September from 5pm in the Dam Deck function space at Cedar Galleries. Advance viewing of artwork from 13th Sept on Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sundays from 9am4pm. Cedar Galleries is on the Bruce Highway midway between the Calliope Crossroads & Benaraby Junction. Indulge in an evening of fun, art, fabulous food, music and friends while helping a pivotal charity in our community. Youll enjoy a two course dinner created by Tables on Flinders and you will be able to peruse the art with a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival. This is your chance to own an original artwork at an amazing price for a great cause. EFTPOS available.

Collect Pauls Caps in September in and donate to us and we will receive double the points. From the previous donations of caps we received $250.91 so well done and thank you.

Greeting

cards

for

sale-

For Sale
Pack of cards depicting a series of Laraine Frosts paintings $20 with proceeds going to the Womens Health Centre. A big thank you to Laraine Frost and Mark and Leanne Frost of Frost Engineers (for printing the cards).

Tickets are just $50 per person or $45 each if you arrange your own table of 10. For tickets or information phone Cedar Galleries on 07 4975 0444 or email:

tickets@cedargalleries. com.au

Huge increases in the costs of service provision means that we cannot cover all program costs and need your support to deliver these essential services and support existing and future networks. Your membership helps ensure that we can continue to provide:
Activities Resources Research

Seeking Patron Investment

Invest in this Newsletter, and you are investing in our Service to the Community.
Patron investment is being sought for this newsletter and we would like to show you the space available so you can see what your potential support could look like. The newsletter is produced quarterly and is distributed to members, allied services, Centre users and individuals or organisations on request. The next newsletter is due to be published on the 20th November 2012 Please contact the Women's Health Centre before 23rd October to secure your space in our next newsletter.

E Mail: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au HALF PAGE AND FULL PAGE ADVERTING OPPORTUNITIES ALSO AVAILABLE To arrange advertising for your organisation in the SASS Newsletter or WHAG Mag Please contact the Womens Health Centre on 4979 1456 or info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au

and Strategies Leveraging further grants and subsidies Free counseling Low cost pregnancy tests Free condoms
Open Monday to Friday 9am ~ 4:30pm Thursday 9am ~ 12.30 pm Closed for lunch 12.30-1.00 daily After hours by appointment 9 Derby Street Gladstone Phone: 4979 1456 Fax: 4979 1901

Can you see your business advertised here?

Business Card size:

9cm x 5.5cm
Member Rate: $35 Non Member Rate: $50

Seeking Financial members

How to become a member
Membership Fees are $15 per individual per annum, being renewable on the 1st of July. A pro rata amount is payable, reduced by $7.50 at the end of January. Organisation membership is $40 per annum (less than ten staff) or $80 (more than ten staff). Please make cheques payable to the Womens Health Awareness Group of Gladstone Inc. Please post to PO Box 8219 South Gladstone or drop in to the Centre at 9 Derby Street Gladstone 4680 To pay Electronically Please submit your name so we can identify you! Bendigo Bank Account: Womens Health Awareness Group of Gladstone BSB: 633 000 Account: 120738687

Why are Womens Health Centres Important?

Women are more socially disadvantaged than men in terms of poverty, education and power. Socially disadvantaged people are more likely to become ill. Women are more likely to use health services because of their role as carers of children, older people, disabled people and the extra strain this places on their health. Women are more likely to experience ill health because of the stress placed on parents who leave paid employment at the end of one shift and commence the second shift of housework and child care Women have particular sexual and reproductive health needs in pregnancy, puberty, childbirth and menopause

Benefits of Membership
Membership in the Women Health Centre provides organisations and individuals with access to a range of information-sharing services, including:

quarterly newsletters in pdf form or hardcopy announcements circulated via email access to our Library of books, magazines and CDs Through our newsletter, email lists, we also circulate announcements such as introductions of new staff members, meeting announcements, training opportunities, new resources, and recruitment notices Individual Members may stand for election to the Women Health Centre Management Committee and participate in monthly Management Committee meetings Finally, all members have the opportunity to shape the development and activities of the Women Health Centre, and to support better information-sharing, co-ordination and networking in Gladstone. We always welcome ideas, requests, suggestions and feedback from our members .

Women's Health Centre PO Box 8219 9 Derby Street South Gladstone 4680 Phone: 49791456 Fax:49791901 E-mail: info@gladstonewomenshealth.org.au

Date Claimer AGM 17th October 2012

10