History of Nillumbik Network
How did the Network start?
The Nillumbik Women’s Network was established as a joint community initiative between Nillumbik Shire Council, Victoria Police, VicHealth, LaTrobe University, YMCA, Nillumbik Community Health Service, Living & Learning Nillumbik, the Anglican Church, Domestic Violence Resource Centre and community members. The Network was launched in Eltham on Wednesday 9 May 2007
The Network aims to:
- provide a forum for women in Nillumbik to acknowledge, support and promote their contribution to the social, economic and cultural vitality of the Shire
- raise awareness of the issues facing local women
- provide opportunities for local women to voice their hopes for the future.
The ‘story’ of the Nillumbik Women’s Network’ reflects back to the 9th May 2007 when the Network was launched.
The launch itself was rich with aspirations and dreams. We dreamt of a better society and world. Awareness of the realities about violence against women was starkly presented as a major concern for action. Local opportunities to join together and participate in community based projects shaped the Network’s beginning. The launch also saw planted, the ‘Wishing Tree’. People symbolically added their seeds of hopes and wishes in the shape of leaves, these reflecting issues, topics and dreams, for discussion, action and reflection.
Membership
Anyone in Nillumbik can become a general member of the Network. Contact Susan Forbes, Community Liaison Officer Ph: 9433 3144 or susan.forbes@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Celebrating Nillumbik Women
A message from the Network Convenor - Mandy Press
"Celebrating Nillumbik women was conceived by the Nillumbik Women’s Network as a way of writing women in to our local history. Women as a group are frequently excluded from the official records. Indeed quite recently one of the editors of the Australian Dictionary of Biography answered a question about why so few women were represented with; “well women don’t really do much”! This project provides clear evidence to counter this claim.
The first edition of Celebrating Nillumbik women was launched at an International Women’s Day lunch hosted by Nillumbik Shire and the Nillumbik Women’s Network in 2008. The aim of this publication was to make a start on locating and celebrating the many local Nillumbik women, who may appear ordinary to some, but who live extraordinary lives.
In 2009 and again in 2010 the Nillumbik Women’s Network sought nominations of local women who had made, or still make a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of our community. We continue to be inspired by the quality and activism of our local women. We now have over 100 small stories about the achievements of our local women. The stories outline women’s contribution to the building of the ‘social’ infrastructure of the Shire as well as their contribution at a national or international level. We are deeply appreciative of those who have taken the time to nominate these inspirational local women and to the councillors and staff of Nillumbik Shire who have been generous in their support of the network and this project."
There are many more stories to tell and we are again asking people to nominate local women for celebration. We are unable to produce a booklet as we have done in the past, however, we will publish the nominations on the website as they are received and acknowledge them annually during International Women’s Day celebrations.
See Related Documents to dowload a nomination form or view past nominees.
Saying no to violence: a community responsibility
Saying no to violence: a community responsibility is a VicHealth-funded project and a joint initiative of the Nillumbik Women’s Network involving: Nillumbik Shire Council, Victoria Police, LaTrobe University, YMCA, Nillumbik Community Health Service, the Anglican Church, Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre and other community members.
The project aims:
- To provide women throughout Nillumbik, particularly those in rural communities, with information about services available if they are in an abusive relationship.
- To achieve primary prevention of violence against women by involving as many men as possible in our community to increase awareness, change attitudes and provide them with a framework in which they can become involved in the issue and the effect it has on families and communities.
Womens domestic violence services
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria
Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service
North East Housing website
Domestic Violence Outreach Service
Provides support to women and children who are experiencing or escaping from domestic violence. The venue for support is at a location where both the worker and the woman feel safe.
Northern Metropolitan Outreach Service Ph: 9458 5788 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
Sexual assault services
Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Units (Victoria Police)
Services for children and young people
DHS Child Protection Crisis Line (Statewide) Ph:13 12 78 24 hours, seven days a week
Austin Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Ph: 9496 3620 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or after hours 9496 5000, via Emergency Department
Gatehouse Centre for the Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse Ph: 9345 6391 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday or after hours 9345 5522 via Royal Children’s Hospital
Kids Helpline Ph: 1300 551 800 24 hours, seven days a week
Kids Helpline website
Bursting the bubble website
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre website
Legal services
Women’s Legal Service Ph: 9642 0877 10am-1pm, Monday and Friday; 6.30pm-8.30pm Tuesday and Thursday; 2pm-5pm Wednesday
Community Law website
Legal Aid Victoria website
Magistrates Court Victoria website
Family Court website
For any further information regarding Nillumbik Women's Network please contact Susan Forbes, Community Liaison Officer Ph: 9433 3144 or susan.forbes@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
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