Women’s Health Week 2-6 September

Your Voice – Your Choice

 "From the 2-6th September 2024, Women around Australia are encouraged to raise their voices about the many physical and mental challenges we face and often may be too ashamed to raise." 


Women’s Health Week was created by the Jean Hailes For Women’s Health, not -for -profit organisation in 2013, in an attempt to provide important resources and information to communities Australia- wide, uniting and reminding women to dedicate time for their health and well-being. 


The 2024 theme – Your Voice, Your Choice – is about empowering women to use their voice to advocate for their health and to have various ‘Courageous Conversations’ with others to overcome shame and stigma. As women we often unconsciously neglect ourselves as we lead busy lives working, looking after our families and providing to our communities. We fully advocate for all women to take this time (and more) to look within and focus on topics that may be affecting your well-being, such as hormonal changes, nutrition and trusting your gut, and finding your balance on various parenting challenges. 

With the bombardment of different advice, viewpoints and conflicts on what truly matters to a woman, it can become difficult to navigate your own wellness journey – leading to anxiety, confusion and ultimately silence about topics that are essential to you! 


We would like to encourage you to take some time out to reflect on what is happening in your life and with your health and commit to ensuring that the person you take care of first is Yourself! 


Self-Care is a conscious choice to make time for activities that promote and

maintain your mental and physical well-being! 

 


Some of the topics that will be covered this week include: 

  • Know Your Body – The importance of health checks and education about various health problems that are rarely spoken about. 
  • Courageous Conversations – These are tips and tools to help you start a conversation with your health provider about menopause, hormones, PCOS and more. 
  • Shame and Stigma – This is a time for women to share their stories about topics that may be seen as taboo, but that can save and improve lives such as Bladder problems, STI’s and painful sex. 
  • Point of Difference – We are all unique and there is no one size fits all. This is an opportunity for women to look at how various health problems have affected them differently, from heart health to pelvic pain. Too often women are dismissed because their symptoms present differently from textbook values, leading to late diagnoses and poor quality of life. 
  • Trust Your Gut – Women’s nutrition can be a contentious topic with so many viewpoints that are thrown from all over. This covers nutrition basics that we all need and helps to promote a healthy relationship with food. Let’s ditch the fads and get back to basics! 


 


Are you ready to start the timer on putting yourself first? 

Let’s go! 

 

Download this fantastic guide to Women’s Health from the Jean Hailes Foundation, that provides information on various health checks, age-appropriate advice on what to look out for, and taking care of your mental wellbeing: 

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/uploads/Your-guide-to-womens-health_TGD.pdf 


 


Connect and have a conversation! 

Here are some events happening in the NSW area, where you can join with fellow women, have open conversations and feel free to be you, whilst enjoying the outdoors too! 

 

5 September: Pop into the Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre and have a chat and a cuppa with fellow women, whilst learning valuable information about support and services they provide. 

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/whw-events/womens-wellbeing-morning 


 6th September: Get your hearing checked! No matter your age – at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre. The Women’s Hearing Health Bus will be there to provide information, assist with hearing checks and each woman will get a free showbag. 

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/whw-events/hearing-australias-womens-hearing-health-bus-is-coming-to-the-illawarra 

 

8th September: Join the Women’s Trail Walk to Steamers Beach in Booderee National Park 

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/whw-events/womens-trail-walk 

 

Get your ‘Girl Gang’ together, no matter what age, and advocate for better Women’s Health and Wellness Awareness this September! 

The Growing Demand for Care Workers in Australia

March 30, 2026
Why the country’s fastest-growing sector is facing a critical workforce shortage Australia is facing an unprecedented challenge in care — a data-driven crisis that is rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape. As demand for aged care and disability support accelerates, the supply of qualified care workers is struggling to keep pace. The result? A “perfect storm” where providers are under pressure, workers are stretched thin, and the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. The Care Crisis: A Sector Under Pressure The care and support sector is now Australia’s largest employing industry , accounting for over 16% of the national workforce . Yet despite its size, demand continues to surge at a pace the system is not fully prepared for. Aged care and disability support roles are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade , driven by both demographic and policy changes. Simply put: more Australians need care than ever before — and that number is only rising. A Demographic Shift Driving Demand At the heart of this demand is a significant and accelerating demographic shift. Australia’s population aged 65 and over is expected to increase by more than 2 million (67.8%) between 2024 and 2044 The number of Australians aged 85+ — those with the highest care needs — will grow by 67% between 2024 and 2035 The number of people requiring care is projected to rise from 1.5 million today to 2.5 million by 2050 This ageing population is not just growing — it is living longer, often with more complex health needs that require consistent, skilled support. At the same time, the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to increase demand for qualified disability support workers, further intensifying pressure on the system. The Workforce Shortage Crunch While demand accelerates, workforce supply is falling behind. Australia could face a shortfall of 400,000 aged care workers by 2050 The NDIS sector alone requires an additional 128,000 workers by mid-2025 Staff turnover remains high, with attrition rates between 17% and 25% in disability support roles This shortage is not just about numbers — it’s about sustainability. High turnover, burnout, and ongoing recruitment challenges are making it increasingly difficult for providers to maintain consistent, high-quality care. Why Agencies Like Health Staff Australia Are Essential In this high-pressure environment, healthcare providers are realising they cannot solve workforce challenges alone.  This is where specialist staffing agencies like Health Staff Australia (HSA) play a critical role.

Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Role as a Support Worker

March 2, 2026
Starting your first role as a support worker is an exciting step in your healthcare career. At Health Staff Australia, we understand that stepping into a new environment — whether in aged care, disability support or community services — can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. The key to success lies in preparation, professionalism and the right mindset. Before your first shift, it’s important to ensure all compliance requirements are completed and up to date. This typically includes your National Police Check, Working With Children Check (if required), NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable, current First Aid and CPR certification, relevant qualifications, immunisation records, proof of ID and your right to work documentation. Having your paperwork organised not only prevents delays but also demonstrates reliability and readiness from day one. Understanding your role is equally important. Take time to carefully review your employment contract, position description and any client care plans provided. Familiarise yourself with workplace policies, reporting structures and documentation procedures. If you are unsure about any aspect of your responsibilities, clarify this with your consultant or supervisor before your first shift. Confidence comes from knowing exactly what is expected of you. Practical preparation can significantly reduce first-day nerves. Confirm your shift time and location, plan your travel route in advance and allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Lay out your uniform the night before and pack essentials such as photo identification, a notebook, pen and water bottle. Presenting yourself professionally and arriving early sets a strong first impression with both colleagues and clients.  Refreshing key skills ahead of your assignment can also make a difference. Reviewing manual handling techniques, infection control practices, documentation standards and effective communication approaches will help you feel competent and capable. Even experienced support workers benefit from revisiting best-practice guidelines before entering a new workplace.
February is often called the month of love — a time to reflect on connection, kindness and care for

Supporting Independence: Encouraging Daily Living Skills with Care, Compassion and Love

February 2, 2026
Independence Looks Different for Everyone Living independently is something many people take for granted. For individuals living with disability, mobility challenges or learning difficulties, independence may look very different — and that’s okay. Some clients live in their own homes with regular support visits, while others live in supported or community accommodation. No matter the setting, independence isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about having choice, control and the right level of support to live a fulfilling life. Daily living skills can include: Preparing meals Managing medication Personal care and hygiene Using public transport Attending appointments Engaging in social and community activities With the right support, these everyday tasks become opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. Why Supporting Independence Matters When individuals feel empowered to make decisions and participate in daily life, their wellbeing improves significantly. Independence helps reduce anxiety, strengthens self-esteem and encourages community participation. Without consistent and thoughtful support, individuals may experience increased stress, vulnerability or social withdrawal. In some cases, a lack of appropriate guidance can place people at risk of exploitation or unsafe situations.  That’s why providing reliable, person-centred support is so important — especially in home care environments.