June has been big for Mums of the Hills. From coming together at the beautiful Lantern Parade to sharing our story with other community groups, it has been a month of reminding ourselves why this community matters. Read more about what we’ve been up to this month.

The world feels heavy right now and you’re not alone if you’re feeling it too. At Mums of the Hills, we can’t fix the big stuff, but we can create spaces that help us stay connected and lift each other up. From our New Mums Welcome Bags to the MotHs Band, the Runooshkas, and real conversations like Lunch with Emma, we’re here, together.

Facebook’s latest algorithm shift tried to bury our real community connection, but we didn’t let it. Here’s how we adapted, kept mums connected, and made sure local businesses still shine.

Climate change isn’t just increasing the intensity of disasters, it’s changing how communities connect, recover and care for one another. At Mums of the Hills, we’ve seen women quietly lead both online and on the ground, often without recognition or support. It’s time our policies caught up with the reality of community-led resilience.

Emma Gilmour thought giving up wine would be the hard part, but the real surprise was finally being taken seriously about her health.

In this powerful reflection, she shares how removing alcohol opened the door to real care, real connection, and a life that truly feels like her own.

Last week, Facebook changed its algorithm. Our private group, normally filled with daily support, posts, advice, and kindness, suddenly dropped off the radar. Overnight, 80% of our active members disappeared, not because they left, but because they stopped seeing us.

Thanks to our patrons and our volunteer army, we’re fighting back.

On May 24th, something truly magical happened in the Hills. The chandeliers sparkled, the string lights twinkled, and our community came together, dressed to the nines and wrapped in mystery for the Monbulk Community Group’s inaugural Masquerade Gala.

It was a night of elegance and energy, but more than that, it was a night with meaning.

We’ve started sharing the origin stories of our Business Directory subscribers. These businesses have made a big contribution towards MotHs becoming a sustainable incorporation - one that supports the community not just when grant funds and donations are available.

Read more about what drives them.

Menopause isn’t just hot flushes and mood swings…It’s a stage of life that’s been misunderstood and under-researched for far too long.

In our latest blog, we unpack Dr Marina McPherson’s powerful insights, the real foundation of women’s health, and why connection matters more than kale.

Being a mum of the hills is more than just where we live — it’s how we show up for each other. From Book Week chaos to storm clean-ups and quiet acts of kindness, this community has been built on resilience, humour, and heart. 💛

Today, Mums of the Hills is a lifeline for thousands — a space built on real stories, late-night questions, and the quiet strength of women showing up for each other. From cream carpet disasters to community-wide acts of care, this is the story of how a group became a village.

What does it mean to be a Mum of the Hills? It means showing up — messy, real, and human.

This Winter Solstice, join us as we carry a giant handmade Moth lantern through the streets of Belgrave—created by local mums, kids, and volunteers as a symbol of persistence, light, and community. The Lantern Parade is more than a beautiful night out—it’s a chance to pause, connect, and walk together through the darkest night of the year.

This blog is a love letter to our volunteers—the ones holding our community together in ways big and small. Featuring stories, stats, and a peek behind the scenes with that Anne from MotHs (yes, the one you’ve probably known for years without realising it), we’re celebrating the real magic behind Mums of the Hills: the people who give their time, heart, and humour to help others feel less alone.

This Reconciliation Week, Belinda Young reflects on what we weren’t taught, what we’ve since learned, and what we now carry forward for our children.

This month, we attended a Gender and Disaster Australia workshop to learn how gender, culture, and connection shape recovery. At Mums of the Hills, we’re strengthening our network to make sure no one is left isolated when it matters most.

Your vote matters — not just for today, but for the future our children will live in.

Missed the Casey Candidates Forum? The recording is now online. We’ve also shared a few reflections on the bigger issues missing from this election conversation.

When young Parsa went missing in the Olinda bushland late Friday night, our community rallied without hesitation. In the face of fear and uncertainty, differences were set aside and compassion took the lead. From search parties in the cold to the steady flow of support online, it was a powerful reminder of the strength we hold together.

Even if you couldn’t be there physically, the way our group helped keep information clear, calm and caring made a real difference. And a special thanks goes to Asher, the incredible teen who found Parsa safe.

It’s moments like these that show what community truly means.

From endless crying to sleepless nights, early motherhood can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re proud to host free ABA Drop-In & Chat sessions at the MotHs Hub. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or somewhere in between—come for a cuppa, stay for the support.

It all started at the edge of the Monbulk swimming pool—dripping wet, wrapped in a towel, and nervously asking other mums if they'd like to join a little online group I’d started. I had no idea that awkward moment would spark something so much bigger.

What began as a side hustle to help cover swimming lessons grew into a thriving community of local mums—and the small businesses that support them.

This is the story behind Mums of the Hills, why small business is about more than income, and how quiet courage and connection can grow into a movement.

Read the full story and see why our Business Directory is more than just a list—it’s a lifeline.

With all the talk about ditching social media, it’s easy to forget that some online spaces genuinely do good — and for many mums, our private group is one of them.

Whether it’s navigating tough relationships, parenting challenges, or simply finding the best bakery in town (yes, that matters too!), Mums of the Hills is a lifeline. These conversations don’t go viral — they go deep. They remind us what’s possible when tech meets trust, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

In our latest blog, we explore why online support matters — and how communities like MotHs don’t just happen. They’re built, protected, and nurtured by the incredible people behind the scenes (shoutout to our powerhouse moderators 💛).