Counterpart

01/10/2026

Understanding women’s need before, during, and after diagnosis leads to better outcomes. We’re living longer and issues of women’s survivorship are only beginning to be considered.

Join us (online or in-person in Sydney) for this event where your contributions to the research will be discussed by international experts and local women who understand your experience.

We're excited to share that our Manager of Evidence and Capacity Building, Sianan Healy, will be presenting WHV's gender equity in cancer care research at the upcoming Women and Cancer Survivorship: S*x, Gender and Society event on Friday 16 October at Health Translation Hub at UNSW Sydney.

Drawing on the experiences of women and trans and gender-diverse people across Victoria, this work explores how gender shapes cancer care and what needs to change to create a more equitable system.

The event is hosted by Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, a partnership between Cancer Council NSW and UNSW Sydney, and also features a keynote from Dr Ophira Ginsburg, author of the Lancet Commission on Women, Power and Cancer.

If you're interested in improving cancer outcomes and experiences for women, join in person or tune in via livestream.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-and-cancer-survivorship-sex-gender-and-society-tickets-2000083415336?aff=oddtdtcreator

28/09/2026

Are you a woman (cis and trans inclusive) living with cancer?

Our next wellbeing day is Horsham and we can't wait to bring information, connection and services to more local women.

The wellbeing day will include:
• Opportunities to connect with local services and support
• Meeting other women living with cancer
• A gentle movement session
• Creative watercolour and Gel Printing
• Morning tea and a light lunch

When: Wednesday 28 October, 10am to 2.45pm
Where: Coughlin Park Bowls Club, Horsham

Our wellbeing day is free to attend, but registration is required. Registrations close on Wednesday 21 October.

Learn more and register here: https://counterpart.org.au/events/horsham-wbd-2026/

23/09/2026

Chatting with someone about your cancer diagnosis who isn't your doctor, family member or counsellor can be a refreshing way to find support. That's where our trained Peer Support Volunteers come in.

All of our volunteers have experienced a cancer diagnosis themselves, allowing them to offer support in a unique way that's separate from your treatment and care. They're here to listen, chat openly, share practical tips, and discuss ways to adjust to life after a cancer diagnosis.

Mary, our Regional Hubs Program Coordinator, has also experienced a cancer diagnosis. Hear what she has to say about speaking with a Peer Support Volunteer.

If you'd like to chat with a volunteer, reach out on 1300 781 500 or counterpart.org.au to schedule a call.

17/09/2026

Our Geelong Peer Support Hub is a welcoming space for women living with cancer (cis and trans inclusive) to come together and share experiences with others who understand.

While it's common to put on a brave face with healthcare professionals, family or friends, our hub offers a place where you can be yourself, share what's on your mind, and feel less alone on your cancer journey.

Come join us for our September session!

Date: Tuesday 29 September
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Geelong Hub - Eastern Hub, 285A McKillop Street, East Geelong

Please note, this session will be held in the Starkey Room at the Eastern Hub (not the Connor Room).

See here for more details:
https://counterpart.org.au/events/geelong-peer-support-hub-september-session/

16/09/2026

We're excited to announce that our next regional wellbeing day will be in Warragul!

Join us for a warm and welcoming event where you can meet local women who understand what it's like to be diagnosed with cancer.

Here's what to expect:
- Discover local services and support
- Meet other women living with cancer
- Take part in wellbeing activities
- Enjoy morning tea and a light lunch

When: Thursday 15 October, 10am to 2.45pm
Where: Warragul Goods Shed, Warragul

Our wellbeing day is free to attend, but registration is required. Registrations close on Thursday 8 October.

Learn more and register here: https://counterpart.org.au/events/warragul-wbd/

15/09/2026

Recently, Counterpart celebrated the one-year anniversary of our Geelong Peer Support Hub.

We shared memories, laughter, and reflections on the importance of connection for regional women living with cancer.

Our new gender equity in cancer care report identified living in a regional area as a major barrier to equitable cancer care. Support services like the Geelong Peer Support Hub help make that gap feel a little smaller. Bringing support to regional women and gender-diverse people is a step towards a cancer care system that treats the whole person, not just a set of symptoms.

This hub wouldn't be possible without our incredible peer support volunteers, who show up week after week, and the Geelong community, who welcome us so warmly.

Our September Geelong Peer Support Hub session is coming up on Tuesday 29 September. We'd love to see you there! For more information, click here: www.counterpart.org.au/events/geelong-peer-support-hub-september-session/

11/09/2026

A conversation can change everything.

Today's Jean Hailes Women's Health Week theme, To Connect, is a reminder of the importance of reaching out, sharing experiences and finding support through community.

At Counterpart, we see the power of connection every day. Through our peer support service, women affected by cancer can connect with someone who has faced similar challenges, someone who understands, listens and offers support through lived experience.

For women living in regional and rural Victoria, these connections can be especially important. When local support options are limited or distance creates barriers, peer support can help women feel less alone and connected to a community that understands what they're going through.

If you or someone you know is a woman living with cancer, Counterpart is here to help.

Learn more about our free support services and how we can support you through your cancer experience: counterpart.org.au

09/09/2026

Leave embarrassment at the door. Bring your questions instead.

This International Gynaecological Awareness Day (IGAD), let's make talking about gynaecological health a little less awkward and a lot more normal.

If something doesn't feel right, don't put off getting it checked.
- You know your body.
- Early action matters.
- Support is always available.

The incredible Kath Mazzella OAM advocated for 10 September to be recognised as International Gynaecological Awareness Day following her vulvar cancer diagnosis.

To learn more about IGAD and how to get involved, visit https://www.kathmazzella.com/red-knickers-campaign/

09/09/2026

Help us shape better support for people living with metastatic/advanced cancer. 💜

We're looking to hear from women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender-diverse people living with metastatic or advanced cancer about the information, activities and opportunities for connection that matter most to them.

If this sounds like you, we'd love for you to complete our short 5-minute survey. Your feedback will help us understand what's most needed and guide the future support, services and activities we offer.

After completing the survey, you'll have the option to enter a draw to win a $50 gift card!

Participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will remain confidential.

Take the survey here: counterpart.org.au/masurvey26

The survey closes at 12pm on Wednesday, 23 September.

07/09/2026

💃 Get paid to dance. No experience required! 💃

The University of Melbourne is inviting people affected by cancer to take part in a paid dance workshop. No dance experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to give it a go!

There are two available sessions:
Friday, 11 September at 1pm
Monday, 14 September at 6pm

Both sessions will be held at the Abbotsford Convent.

Click the link below to register or email [email protected].

https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=NFX9NFTWNH4WMRTX