Springvale Rise Primary School Newsletter

From the Principal's Desk

For those who may not be aware, Dandenong South Primary School and Springvale Rise Primary School have proudly partnered for many years to deliver the Annual Women’s Health Forum – an event designed with, and for, the women in our richly diverse communities.

Our purpose has always been clear: to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space where women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and connect. Each year, the Forum strengthens community spirit while building knowledge and confidence around health, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

Over time, these Forums have helped to break down barriers, build trust, and establish strong relationships with a wide range of partner organisations. Together, we have been able to provide women with practical information, essential skills, and access to vital supports. Topics have included breast and cervical screening, vaccinations, mental health services, basic first aid, child car safety, and more. Throughout this journey, our guiding motto has remained the same: “Empower Women : Empower Families.”

In 2025, the national campaign theme, led by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, invited us to “Say yes to you”—a reminder to honour our voices, prioritise our wellbeing, and claim the care we deserve.

 

Our 2025 Forum was made possible thanks to the generosity and expertise of our partners:

  • Jean Hailes for Women’s Health

  • The Water Well Project

  • KidSafe

  • Pinchapoo

  • Monash Health

  • Ambulance Victoria

  • Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights

  • WHiSE

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing LOCAL

  • Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health

  • Chobani

  • Terry White Chemists

  • Mission Australia

We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the City of Greater Dandenong through a community grant.

 

A heartfelt thank you goes to Leonie Fitzgerald, Principal of Dandenong South PS, for her ongoing support of this event; to Bunurong Traditional Owner Zoe Upton, for her powerful Welcome to Country and for sharing her family’s stories; and to Eden Foster MP, for delivering an inspiring keynote and generously sharing parts of her own personal health journey.

 

And, finally, a huge congratulations to Hub Leaders Julie Raciti (Springvale Rise PS Hub) and Regina Moore (Dandenong South PS Hub) for their outstanding organisation. Each year, the Forum grows in reach and impact—and 2025 was no exception. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

With this momentum behind us, we are already looking ahead with excitement.

 

Bring on 2026!

 

Keep Smiling

Debbie Cottier

 Principal