Community
13 March, 2025
Health service celebrates the region's women
THE positive impact women have across the community, from inspiring the next generation through world-class sporting accomplishments to providing care when it’s needed most, were celebrated last week.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) hosted a special morning tea at The Little Acorn Café last Wednesday in the lead-up to International Women’s Day.
The occasion saw Bookaar-based Olympian Penny Smith visit Terang to join women from throughout the wider community to share her inspiring story of achieving success in a sport which has traditionally been male dominated.
While Ms Smith’s exploits to earn a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics have earned widespread publicity, the occasion celebrated the role all women have in growing their community from strength to strength.
Among those in attendance was Terang and Mortlake Health Service director of community health Jane Bourman, who is among the executive staff at TMHS which is predominantly women-led.
She praised TMHS health promotion officer Michelle Dowden for planning the day, which saw a diverse and talented group of women from across the region in attendance.
“Michelle Dowden, our new health promotion officer, was really motivated to include everyone from throughout the community,” Ms Bourman said.
“We’re not only here to celebrate the women in our town, but also the women and girls throughout the world who don’t get the same opportunities as we do.
“We have to pass the legacy on, celebrate the women we do have, and also educate ourselves on equality and gender roles.”
Ms Bourman said a highlight was to welcome women such as Ms Smith, employees of beloved organisations such as Cooinda and TMHS, and in particular some of the women who are residents at Mt View Aged Care facility.
Not only was it an opportunity to celebrate the role women have in shaping the community, but to celebrate the women who paved the way and shared their wisdom.”
“Their experiences are something we can learn from.”
“We had quite a range in ages, which was great.
“We’re privileged to have so many women who work across industries and services, to acknowledge the work of our predecessors in elevating our services to the professional levels they are today.”