YWCA Hunter Region Inc.

07/09/2026

Women’s Health Week | Day 2: To move 💪

When we think about exercise, it’s easy to picture intense workouts, big fitness goals or hitting a certain number of steps. But movement doesn’t have to look like that.

Today’s Women’s Health Week focus is To move; reframing what it means to be active and reminding us that movement can look different for every woman.

It might be building strength. Stretching. Walking. Dancing. Swimming. Trying something new. Or simply moving your body in a way that feels good.

It’s a message we know well at YWCA Hunter. From SheStrength and Yoga to Chair Yoga, Flow & Stretch, Tai Chi and Pickleball, there are plenty of ways to find movement that works for you; your body, your ability and your stage of life.

Whatever movement looks like for you, it counts. If you’d like to get moving with us, explore our programs via the YWCA Hunter website.

07/09/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “5/5. Would walk again”

Hi, Gus here. 🐾

I took part in Walk for ENCORE last year and have been asked to provide my official review.

The walk wasn’t too long. We got to dress up. There were treats. I received LOTS of pats and scratches along the way. And I was called a “good boy” more times than I could count.

Honestly, not sure what more you could want from an event.

Plus, the whole family could come along and the 3km route was easy enough for everyone to enjoy.
I’ll definitely be recommending it to my fellow four-legged friends.

Dogs are welcome at Walk for ENCORE…just bring your humans and keep them on a leash. 😉

06/09/2026

It’s Women’s Health Week!

This week, we’re joining women across Australia to recognise Jean Hailes for Women's Health Women’s Health Week; five days dedicated to putting women’s health and wellbeing in the spotlight.

The theme for 2026 is “do it anyway”, encouraging us to take small, realistic steps towards looking after our health, even when life is busy, motivation is low or things don’t go quite to plan.

Throughout the week, we’ll be following the five daily themes and sharing some simple reminders around looking after ourselves - to fuel, to move, to rest, to breathe and to connect.

And we’re kicking things off with Day 1: To fuel. 🍎

Eating well doesn’t need to mean completely overhauling what’s on your plate. It can be as simple as adding an extra serving of vegetables, drinking more water, planning a meal that keeps you going through a busy day, or taking the time to actually sit down and enjoy your lunch.

Looking after yourself doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small choices count. Start where you are, and do what works for you.

Find more practical, evidence-based information for Women’s Health Week via the Jean Hailes website: jeanhailes.org.au/get-involved/womens-health-week/

05/09/2026

Happy Father’s Day!

Today we’re sending a big Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads, stepdads, father figures and special men in our community.

And we couldn’t let the day go by without giving a special shout-out to some of the wonderful dads among our YWCA Hunter volunteers!

We’re incredibly grateful for the time, energy and helping hands our volunteers bring to YWCA Hunter, and today, we’re celebrating these lovely fellas in particular.

We hope all the dads out there enjoy a very happy Father’s Day!

04/09/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Junction Fair for their generous support of ENCORE!

Community support like this helps us continue to provide our FREE 8-week ENCORE program to women across the Hunter following breast cancer treatment.

Thank you, Junction Fair, for helping us keep ENCORE free and accessible to local women. Your support makes a real difference! 🌸

02/09/2026

Looking for an indoor space to hire in Newcastle?

Our full-size indoor basketball court at YWCA Hunter in Cooks Hill is available for casual, regular and full-day hire.

And it’s not just for basketball! The court is a versatile space suitable for:

🔸 Basketball practice
🔸 Badminton & Pickleball
🔸 Yoga, Tai Chi & fitness sessions
🔸 Martial arts
🔸 Dance
🔸 School activities
🔸 Meetings, events & more

Hire starts from just $50 per hour.

📍 24 Dawson Street, Cooks Hill

Visit our website to find out more and enquire about court hire.

01/09/2026

A couple of spots are still available for our upcoming Self Defence Class! 💪

Our next Self-Defence Empowerment Workshop is coming up on Saturday 12 September, and there’s still time to join us.

Designed for female students in Year 6 and high school, this practical two-hour workshop focuses on building confidence, assertiveness and personal safety skills, including practical self-defence techniques.

📅 Saturday 12 September
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 YWCA Hunter, Cooks Hill
💛 $40 per person

Only a couple of places remain, so head to our website to secure your spot.

Book today via the YWCA Hunter website.

Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre

30/08/2026

Your empty bottles and cans can help support women after breast cancer. ♻️

Did you know you can donate your 10c Return and Earn refunds directly to ENCORE?

It’s a simple way to support our program while recycling containers you already have at home - and those 10 cents can quickly add up!

Here’s how:
1️⃣ Download the Return and Earn app.
2️⃣ Set your active payout method to Donate.
3️⃣ Search for YWCA Hunter-ENCORE and select us as your charity partner.
4️⃣ Visit your nearest Return and Earn point and scan your app barcode.
5️⃣ Return your eligible containers and your 10c refunds will be donated directly to ENCORE. 💛

No app? No problem! You can download and print our barcode from the donation page on our website and scan it at the kiosk instead.

⚠️ One important note: Please don’t select the DONATE button directly on the kiosk, as this sends your refund to the national charity partner rather than ENCORE.

A few bottles here, a bag of cans there; it all helps us continue providing ENCORE free of charge to women following breast cancer.

Visit our website to find our barcode and learn more about supporting ENCORE through Return and Earn.

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Anyone else feeling like they need one big exhale? 🌿

Give yourself a little time back to breathe in, breathe out and move with our Flow & Stretch classes at YWCA Hunter.

Combining gentle movement and stretching, it’s a chance to slow things down, move your body and take some time out for yourself.

📅 Tuesdays
⏰ 10:45am
📍 YWCA Hunter, Cooks Hill

Places are available, so come and join us. You don’t need to book for a whole term; just one session at a time.

Visit our website to book your class today:

Discover gentle classes for seniors and active individuals by YWCA Hunter. This Yoga and Pilates-inspired mat class is designed for people looking to improve mobility, strength, and overall wellbeing in a supportive community.