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WDV eNews
26 February 2026
WDV News and Updates:
Opportunites
Hear From Our Hubs:
Community News and Events:
Additional Updates:
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A Message from Our New CEO |
It has been just over two months since I commenced as CEO of Women with Disabilities Victoria. It is an honour to step into this role alongside such a skilled team, dedicated Board and active membership, and I remain deeply committed to amplifying the expertise and leadership of our community.
In recent weeks, I have focused on immersing myself in the detail of our operations, while also engaging with government and sector partners to advance our advocacy priorities. This edition of eNews highlights the breadth of our collective efforts.
You can read more about our Federal Pre-Budget Submission, which calls for sustained investment in our Community Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment Program, and our submission to the Inquiry into Voting Centre Accessibility. You will also see updates from our Leadership Hubs across the state, where members continue to drive community-led conversations and action. I was also proud to represent WDV at the Women’s Health Services Network showcase at Parliament House, highlighting the urgent need to address violence, health inequity and systemic ableism experienced by women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
Across the state, our initiatives continue to strengthen equity and inclusion, empower disability leadership, and build workforce capacity to better respond to the rights and wellbeing of women and gender diverse people with disabilities across Victoria.
Thank you for your ongoing solidarity and participation.
In solidarity,
TMK (Trishima Mitra-Kahn) |
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WDV’s Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2026-2027 ‘Enabling Disability and Gender Leadership, Wellbeing and Inclusive Participation’
Our Federal Pre-Budget Submission for Year 2026-27 outlines funding request to continue delivery of our Community Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment (CIWE) Program in Victoria for another four years.
Without a commitment from the Australian Government for multi-year sustainable funding, the disability community stands to lose critical leadership and advocacy. WDV is seeking a total investment of $3.4 million over four years to sustain and strengthen a proven CIWE Program in Victoria.
By investing in the CIWE Program, the Australian Government has an opportunity to continue its leadership and commitment within disability and gender equality strategies. This investment will support the Australian Government’s commitment to ensure people with disabilities can participate as equal members of society and have access to resources and equal outcomes no matter their gender.
Read the full submissions at the links below:
WDV Federal Pre-Budget Submission PDF
WDV Federal Pre-Budget Submission Word
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WDV’s Submission to Inquiry into Voting Centre Accessibility
WDV recently made a submission to the Electoral Matters Committee’s
inquiry into voting centre accessibility. We consulted our Youth Experts by
Experience Advocates, Leadership Hub Members and Disability Advocates to inform
our recommendations to the Committee.
Our recommendations include a whole of journey approach to voting
centres and inclusion of quiet and low sensory zones in all voting centres. Read the full submissions at the links below: Voting Centre Accessibility Recommendations PDF Voting Centre Accessibility Recommendations Word
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Women's Health Network Services Showcase
Women with Disabilities Victoria was proud to participate in the recent Women’s Health Services Network showcase event at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House. The event closed a multi-day activation highlighting the impact of the network across Victoria.
The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health and Minister for Women, attended and spoke about her strong commitment to health equity and the critical role the Women’s Health Services Network plays in advancing prevention, gender equity and improved health outcomes across the state.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Trishima Mitra-Kahn, joined a panel discussion highlighting how WDV makes a difference in the lives of women and gender diverse people with disabilities. She spoke to the significant inequities experienced by our community, including higher rates of violence, financial insecurity and unmet health needs, and reinforced WDV’s role in strengthening systems so that women and gender diverse people with disabilities are not left to navigate barriers alone. Looking ahead, she highlighted the need for safer care environments, trauma designed services, stronger sexual and reproductive health supports, and better integrated pathways across health, disability and family violence systems.
We also acknowledge Melissa Jolley for her role on the organising committee, contributing to the planning of the multi day activation and coordinating WDV’s involvement. |
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Image description: A photo of a presentation at Parliament house. Five people sit in front of a projector screen, with two more people standing on either side of them. There are the Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Island flags in the background. |
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Learning across Borders: Hosting Disability Rights Leaders from Laos
Women
with Disabilities Victoria was pleased to meet with a delegation of disability
rights activists and program leaders from Laos during their visit to Australia,
hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission. We shared our intersectional
approach to advancing gender and disability equity. This included how we embed
lived experience leadership across advocacy, policy and health promotion, and
how we support leadership development for women and gender diverse people with
disabilities. It was a thoughtful and energising exchange, with rich
discussion, generous questions and shared learning that we hope strengthens
practice in both contexts. |
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Image description: A photo of the delegation of 19 visitors from Laos as well as the WDV team. Some are sitting and some are standing behind a table in a meeting room, in front of a banner with the WDV logo and the words 'Our Vision: All women and gender-diverse people with disabilities in Victoria live safe and fulfilling lives.' |
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New Investment in Cervical Screening Education
Women
with Disabilities Victoria has secured $50,000 from Cancer Council Victoria to
deliver cervical screening education with women and gender diverse people with
disabilities across Victoria. We will partner with our Leadership Hubs and
regional Women’s Health Services partners to reach communities across the
state. The initiative will strengthen access to accessible information and
support informed decision-making about screening. |
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The Having a Say Conference - Geelong, Jan 27-29 |
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Image Description: WDV Barwon Hub Liaison Officer Teagan Mitchell sits behind
the WDV table at the Having a Say, Our Choice Expo. |
Members of WDV’s Community Engagement and Women’s Empowerment Program were once again honoured to attend VALID’s Having a Say Conference, this time as volunteers and Our Choice Expo stallholders.
For 25 years Having a Say has been empowering the voices of people with intellectual disability and it was great to be part of the celebrations. A big thank you to VALID for having us at Having a Say! |
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Image Description: WDV Leadership Hub Coordinator Felicity Antony,
volunteers at a Come and Try painting activity. |
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and catch up with members of WDV’s Leadership Hubs and former participants of the Enabling Women Programs. It was particularly exciting to see Melbourne Outer East Hub member Sarah teach her own photography sessions as a Come and Try activity for the first time. Well done Sarah! |
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Image Description: Photo of Hub member Sarah in the Deakin University courtyard. She is holding a sign which says “Photography Workshop” with the symbol of a camera. In the background is an ambulance and either side of Sarah are a workshop participant and volunteer.
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Image description: A stylised icon against a transparent background. A part of the new WDV branding, a slowly opening light purple door is being depicted, with orange shading coming from the inside. This icon represents Opportunities. |
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Employment Opportunity: Interim Director of Business Operations
Are you passionate about advancing the rights of women with disabilities?
Women with Disabilities Victoria is a vibrant organisation of women with disabilities working for women with disabilities in Victoria.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Interim Director Business Operations to join our friendly executive team.
Salary Level 8, range between Pay Point 1-3 (pro-rata) plus superannuation and salary packaging available. Hours are 0.4 FTE (2 days a week) to be worked over Monday to Friday and flexibly.
This position is from the date of appointment to Friday 30 June 2026.
Please refer to the Position Description for further details. |
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Employment Opportunity - Youth Experts by Experience
WDV’s Youth Experts by Experience are a group of young women
and gender diverse people with disabilities aged between 18-27. They meet once
a week to work on youth, gender and disability focused projects. Excitingly we
have four positions available to join this dynamic team. For more information visit
the Employment Opportunities page of our website,
or contact WDV Recruitment via email recruitment@wdv.org.au,
or phone 03 9286 7800. |
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Image Description: A beige social media tile. WDV
Youth logo along the top. Graphic of three young people with disabilities along
the bottom. Text says “We are hiring! Youth Experts by Experience Casual
Position” |
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Enabling Women Leadership Program, Autumn 2026 - Applications Extended Become the leader you want to be, as part of the Enabling Women Leadership Program!
In this peer led, 8-week course, participants will:
- build confidence
- explore who you are
- reflect on your strengths (the things you’re good at)
- learn more about your human rights
- practice speaking up
- work with a mentor to achieve a leadership goal
- become a better leader in your community.
Where: In person at WDV’s Melbourne office, or online via Zoom
What: 8 x 3-hour group program sessions, 5 individual mentor sessions, and a Graduation Celebration
When: Program sessions will be on Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:00pm. (Not every Wednesday). Program sessions will run between March 18 – June 10, 2026.
The Graduation will be held on June 17, 2026. Time and place to be confirmed.
Cost: FREE
Application forms:
Please complete one of the below versions of the application form and email to leadership@wdv.org.au
General info and App form - Autumn 2026 EW.docx
General info and App form - Autumn 2026 EW.pdf
Easy Read info and App form - Autumn 2026 EW.docx
Easy Read info and App form - Autumn 2026 EW.pdf
For more information, or help to apply, contact Bridget Jolley (she/her) by:
Email: Leadership@wdv.org.au
Text / phone: 0459 322 479 |
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Image Description: Beige social media tile. WDV logo along the top. Graphic of a woman with limb difference holding a book. Autumn leaves form a ribbon behind her. Text reads: The Victoria Enabling Women Leadership Program Autumn, 2026. Applications Now Open. |
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Gender & Disability Experts by Experience Advocates Available for Training in 2026
Women with Disabilities Victoria’s Gender
& Disability Experts by Experience Advocates are a group of women and
gender diverse people with diverse experiences of disability.
They are available to offer one-hour
introductory training that covers aspects of gender equality, disability
inclusion and prevention of violence against women and gender diverse people
with disabilities.
Training:
Our Introduction to Preventing Gender and
Disability based Violence is based on research, evidence and the lived
experience of women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
1-hour sessions can be held online or in
person and content may be adjusted to meet your group’s training needs.
Training cost: $600
Please note: The cost may vary if there are
requirements in addition to our standard sessions.
How to book:
Contact the Gender and Disability Workforce
Development Team at gandd@wdv.org.au for further information or to book a
session.
Generally, a minimum of 8-weeks' notice is
required.
For further information download training flyer: EBE training flyer 2024 (word version).docx |
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Image description: A stylised icon against a transparent background. A part of the new WDV branding, this silhouette shows two people slightly overlapping, one a light shade of purple and one orange. The 'V' from the WDV logo is positioned on the right side of the orange person's sternum, like a heart. This icon represents Members, and is shown above the relevant updates for WDV Members. |
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Are You a WDV Member? WDV members get access to: - Our exclusive events, consultations and workshops
- Get involved in our programs
- Opportunities to network in the community
Members can also contribute to WDV by representing women and gender diverse people with disabilities on Boards, Committees and forums. These opportunities are circulated to members who have an interest in a particular field, and there is also an opportunity to contribute to government submissions and representations to government.
If you identify as a woman or gender diverse person with a disability or chronic health condition and you would like to get involved, it only takes a minute to apply for our free membership by clicking the button below:
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If you are not sure if you are a member or not and would like to find out, or have any questions about membership, please contact us via email at membership@wdv.org.au.
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2026 Hubs
A reminder all four WDV Leadership Hubs are up and running for 2026.
Barwon
Meet on Wednesday March 18.
For more information contact Teagan
teagan.mitchell@wdv.org.au
Bendigo
Meet on Wednesday March 18
For more information contact Emma
emma.king@wdv.org.au
Melbourne Outer East
Meet on Monday March 16
For more information contact Libby
libby.price@wdv.org.au
Online
Meet on Wednesday March 11
and Wednesday March 25
For more information contact facilitators Bridget and Teagan hubs@wdv.org.au
This month Bendigo Hub Liaison Officer Emma King, along with the team from RIAC and Have a Say Bendigo, led a planning session with members of the community. Together they began the collaboration process for an upcoming forum around Ableism – what is it and how can we safeguard against it. This was a topic raised by the WDV Bendigo Leadership Hub and will encourage participation from others with disability across the region.
Save the date now: May 18 at the Djarra Larnangurrak Centre in Golden Square Bendigo. And stay tuned to WDV eNews for more information and how you can support this important community led event. |
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Image
Description:
Photo of the Djarra Larnangurrak center. |
The Bendigo Hub also met on February 18 for their regular hub meeting. They welcomed Shelli Abbott, the Disability Liaison Officer for Bendigo Health. It was a wonderful opportunity for hub members to learn about the program DLOs provide to make health
settings more accessible and supportive for women and gender diverse people
with disability. |
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Image Description: Photo of the Bendigo Hub meeting, A group of people with all kinds of disabilities sit around a large conference table in a meeting room. A screen behind them says “How does this look” with a flow chart of ideas. |
This month the Online Leadership Hub welcomed adapted yoga teacher Meera who led a gentle practise for our members. A big thank you to Meera for sharing her expertise in a safe and inclusive way. More information about Meera and her yoga teachings can be found on her website.
Link to website:. https://meerayogateacher.weebly.com |
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Image Description: Photo of Meera. There are trees in
the background and she is smiling at the camera. |
Online Hub Facilitators Bridget and Teagan are looking forward to welcoming more guests this year to the Online Leadership Hub. We have some exciting ideas up our sleeves but as always we want to know what our members want too! If you have been wanting to check out the hub or have something you’d like to share with our growing online community please email the Hubs team.
Email: hubs@wdv.org.au |
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Image
Description:
Graphic of a woman wearing dark glasses sitting at a table with an open laptop
computer.
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Our next online Hub meeting will be March 11th, 6:30 – 7:30pm, on Zoom.
We are delighted to have special guest Eliza Hull.
Eliza is a multi award winning musical artist, and author. She is currently the ABC Victoria’s Disability Arts Reporter on David Astle’s Evenings.
More information about Eliza’s work can be found here - Eliza Hull — Award-winning musician, writer and disability advocate |
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Image description: A photo of Eliza Hull, she has brown hair in a bun and large gold hoop earrings. She is smiling and looking up to the sky. |
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS |
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Zoe Belle Gender Collective and Women's Health in the North Event: Allyship in Action
Zoe Belle Gender Collective (ZBGC) and Women’s Health In the North (WHIN) invite you to the launch of Allyship in Action: Frameworks for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion in Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Initiatives.
This webinar will explore why inclusion matters, how gender equity and trans justice intersect, and provide actionable strategies to strengthen your programs, partnerships and campaigns.
Why attend?
- Understand how gender equity and trans justice intersect
- Learn to identify and challenge transphobia and transmisogyny
- Access practical tools for inclusive practice, partnerships, and campaigns
Date: Wednesday 4th of March, 2026
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Register here : https://events.humanitix.com/allyship-in-action-frameworks-for-trans-and-gender-diverse-inclusion-in-prevention-of-gender-based-violence-initiatives |
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EmpowerHER Epilepsy Symposium
The EmpowerHER
Epilepsy Symposium, hosted by Epilepsy Action Australia, will be taking place
on Saturday 7 March with a livestream for Victorians.
The event will
highlight the experiences of women living with epilepsy, and will explore
support, knowledge, and connection across the different stages of life. The
event will feature a range of people including those with lived experience, and
notably, will have a keynote address which will discuss epilepsy and the
impacts of hormonal shifts and anti seizure medications, an area that is not
well understood amongst medical professionals.
When: Saturday 7 March, 9am - 4pm Where: Online
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/empowerher-epilepsy-forum-2026 |
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Balance the Scales: When Prevention and Response Come Together
This International Women’s Day, WHISE and Kara Family Violence Service (Kara) are joining forces to explore the power of collaboration across the prevention–response continuum of violence against women.
Guided by the UN Women theme Rights. Action. Justice. For all Women and Girls and the Australian theme Balance the Scales, this event will examine how prevention and frontline response can work together to create safer, fairer and more just systems for women and girls. Together, we will reflect on progress, acknowledge the barriers that remain, and consider what meaningful action looks like when lived experience is at the centre.
This gathering will showcase collective capability, strengthen relationships across sectors, and reaffirm our shared commitment to responding to harm today while working to prevent it tomorrow.
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Share the Dignity Survey
Share the Dignity has been advocating for systemic change to ensure menstrual equity for all. They believe periods shouldn’t stop anyone from moving their body, playing sport or feeling like they belong. Including people with disability.
If you’re a person with disability who has periods, this is for you.
Together with Victoria University, they’ve launched a national survey (co-designed with women with disability) to better understand how periods impact participation in sport and physical activity.
We already know the barriers are real. Our research found 78% of people with disability or a chronic condition have struggled to afford period products. Now it’s time to listen deeper and work together to change that.
If you’re aged 15+ and menstruate, your lived experience living with a disability matters whether you’re active, want to be, or feel shut out altogether.
The survey is open until March 27.
Take the Survey |
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Important Disclaimer
With the rise of online scamming and fraudulent emails, it is becoming increasingly important to be wary of suspicious emails. We would like to remind you that WDV will not ask for financial donations via email.
In certain cases, scammers can send emails or text messages coming from a different email. For instance, a spam email which appears to be from Nadia asking for donations via email. Due to the fraudulent nature of scammers posing as someone else online, please note it is best to never give away any personal or financial information unless you have had a verbal conversation with one of our staff members.
If you receive these types of emails, please delete these from your inbox and do not click on any of the links.
If you have any questions, please contact wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Are Your Contact Details Current?
If you have recently changed any of your contact details; address, phone number or email address, please let us know. Email wdv@wdv.org.au and we will update our records.
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Do You Have News, Comments, Questions or Feedback For Us? We love to hear from the WDV community. If you have something you think should be included in this newsletter, please contact WDV at wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Copyright 2026 Women with Disabilities Victoria
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