Girls' Night Out in Kyabram

Kyabram is a regional and rural farming community of approximately 9,000 located 210 km north of Melbourne. Over the past 15 years it has been severely affected by drought, which has impacted farming families and, in turn, the industrial and business communities.

In recent times, the demographics of the community have changed. Lower housing costs compared to larger regional centres have seen an increase in transient and generational poverty, with many families being in high need. In response, the Kyabram & District Health Service opened a new community health facility in 2008, which provides access to specialist facilities to residents.

Focusing on women’s health

A volunteer committee has been working with the Kyabram & District Health Service to support the Women’s unit of the Community Health Services. The Women’s Wellbeing Group received funding via the McEwen Foundation, which is managed by Equity Trustees, to deliver the Ky Girls’ Night Out project. It brought together women from Kyabram and surrounding communities, allowing them to network, as well as access health and wellbeing information for women, particularly those who may be isolated or marginalised.  

The initiative was a great success. What started as a small event targeting minority groups has expanded to be fully inclusive, with women from all backgrounds participating in the event.

Seed funding leverages local support

After receiving $3,000 seed funding from FRRR in 2009, which covered the cost of venue hire, speakers and light refreshments for the first couple of forums – with some funds remaining donated to the women's health programs at Kyabram Health Services, the event is now fully funded through sponsorship.

Helen Walsh, from the Ky Girls’ Night Out Committee, happily reported that this project has had a wide-ranging impact. “Local women have benefitted from the information sessions and social interaction, with new friendships formed. The proceeds from the evenings have been donated to the Kyabram Women’s Health unit to purchase equipment and improve services; and specific women’s groups such as the Cancer Support Group, Diabetic Support Group and Women’s MS Peer Support Group have also benefitted from funds raised through raffles held at these events,” she explained.