Women's Health Week

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Women’s Health Week (1–5 September 2025), led by the Jean Hailes Foundation, is Australia’s biggest celebration of women’s health and wellbeing. Each year brings a new theme – and in 2025 it’s all about learning to say yes to you.

Jean Hailes has been a trusted leader in women’s health for more than 30 years, providing evidence-based information, resources and services to support the health of women, girls and gender-diverse people across Australia. Through Women’s Health Week, they deliver practical tools, translated resources and fact sheets designed to help people make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

While you’re with us at Deakin, we want to support you to achieve optimal mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, so you can stay happy, well and fully supported to achieve your study goals. Women's Health Week is that reminder to all women of Deakin to set aside time for your health and wellbeing and for us all to make health a priority.

Women’s Health Week Panel Event 2025

To celebrate the week, we’d love you to join our Women’s Health Week Panel on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. Hosted by Wellbeing Ambassador Abbey Melnyk, this lively discussion brings together speakers from Deakin and the wider community who will share their stories and strategies for making time for health while chasing study, career and life goals. Come along in person at Burwood or Waurn Ponds for afternoon tea and free gift bags – or tune in online and be part of the conversation from wherever you are.

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Meet our 2025 panellists

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Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte Cooper (she/her)

DUSA Women’s Representative, Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) student

Charlotte is a second-year undergraduate student studying Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Deakin University. Charlotte is originally from a small country town in rural New South Wales and has moved over 1000 kilometers away from the life she knew to pursue her passions here at Deakin. She is an active participant in university life taking on many volunteer roles and is currently the part of the Deakin Enviro Club General Committee and the Events Coordinator of the Deakin University Volleyball Club. Furthermore, Charlotte has been selected as the recipient of the Head of School Award, awarded to a student who has completed their first year in full-time studies and has achieved the highest weighted average mark in her course. Throughout this year Charlotte has taken on the role of DUSA's Burwood Women's Representative so she can actively advocate and create change on campus. She is passionate about women's health and has assisted in the implementation of free sanitary products across campus and sits on both the Sexual Health and Wellbeing Action Group and Women's Committee.

Anne Atcheson

Anne Atcheson (she/her)

Manager of Schools, Community and Disability at Sexual Health Victoria

@sexualhealthvictoria

Anne is the Manager of the Schools, Community and Disability team at Sexual Health Victoria. With over 15 years of experience in Relationships and Sexuality Education, Anne has worked extensively across schools, communities, and organisations to deliver and develop inclusive, evidence-based educational resources. Passionate about empowering people through knowledge, she brings a thoughtful approach to her work. Anne is also the creator and host of Doing ‘IT’, Sexual Health Victoria’s podcast exploring the many facets of Relationships and Sexuality Education.

Jo Weston

Jo Weston (she/her)

Elite athlete, professional netball player, Master of Communications student

@jo_weston

Jo was born in Corowa, NSW, before moving to Melbourne where she found her love for netball at Waverley District Netball Association. Jo emerged onto the national stage in her impressive campaign as part of the 2013 Australian 21/U World Youth Championship side. In 2014, Jo started her professional career at the Melbourne Vixens, winning a championship title in her debut year. The following year, Jo earned her Australian Diamonds debut. Jo is now a stalwart in the defensive end for both the Melbourne Vixens and Australian Diamonds, having played key roles in the Vixens’ 2020 and 2025 Suncorp Super Netball championships, and in the Diamonds’ successful 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 Netball World Cup campaigns. Having already completed a Bachelor in Commerce at Melbourne University, Jo is now undergoing a Master of Communication at Deakin. Jo is the current President of the Australia Netball Players’ Association representing her peers and their interests. Away from the court, Weston’s interests are wide and varied including writing a children’s book series, Netball Besties, her Aussie Shepherd Billie, and her beloved Essendon FC.

Katrina Molloy

Katrina Molloy (she/her)

Registered Nurse/Midwife, Campus Nurse at Deakin Medical Centre

Katrina is a highly experienced Registered Nurse and Midwife with a special interest in youth and women’s health. With 26 years in nursing and midwifery, and the past nine years as a Deakin Campus Nurse in Geelong, she is passionate about educating and empowering young women to take charge of their health. Each year, Katrina champions Jean Hailes’ Women’s Health Week morning tea to spark important conversations. A mother of three teenagers, Katrina brings warmth, expertise, and practical advice to discussions on topics such as cervical screening, contraception, STIs, abnormal bleeding, and pelvic pain.

Abbey Melnyk

Abbey Melnyk

Wellbeing Ambassador, Bachelor of Psychological Science student

@abbey_melnyk

Abbey is an aspiring child and family counsellor/psychologist with a passion for creating supportive, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. Her work in local schools and volunteering with older community members has deepened her commitment to fostering strong community connections. Having travelled to nearly 15 countries, Abbey values diverse perspectives and embraces life’s experiences with curiosity and openness. She believes in living intentionally, cherishing moments with friends and family, and advocating for the wellbeing of others. This Women’s Health Week, Abbey is focusing on calm, balance, and self-care as cornerstones of a healthy, fulfilling year.