Exciting Initiatives for 2025
As we step into 2025, we thought you’d like to know the diverse range of events and initiatives planned designed to empower, educate, and connect our community. From business networking to postnatal support, here’s a deep dive into what’s coming up and how you can get involved. We’ll still have our monthly craft catch ups, quarterly clothes swaps plus annual events like involvement in the Belgrave Lantern Parade, RUTH Run and MotHs Makers Exhibition but we hope you’ll love these new additions.
1. Monthly Business Networking Events
In response to feedback from our hardworking business mums, we’re introducing monthly networking events tailored to fit even the busiest schedules. These gatherings will take place on varying days and times to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or balancing a small business alongside parenting, these events are designed to help you:
Build Connections: Meet like-minded businesswomen and foster valuable professional relationships.
Share Insights: Exchange ideas, challenges, and successes in a supportive environment.
Grow Your Business: Discover collaborative opportunities and strategies to expand your reach.
Each session will provide plenty of time for informal networking and, when we can, guest speakers and workshops. We believe in the power of community and can’t wait to see how these events foster mutual growth and inspiration.
2. Women’s Health Events with Dr. Marina McPherson
Dr. Marina McPherson, a highly respected GP with over 15 years of experience, will lead a series of women’s health events in collaboration with Thryve Family Practice in Selby. Dr. McPherson is passionate about empowering women to live their best lives through education and proactive health management.
These sessions will focus on a variety of critical topics, including:
Chronic disease prevention and health optimization
Women’s health and menopause
Thyroid and digestive health
Metabolic health, including weight management and diabetes prevention
Autoimmune disorders
Attendees will gain valuable insights into living a balanced, healthy lifestyle and will leave inspired to make positive changes. With her approachable demeanor and wealth of knowledge, Dr. McPherson is set to make these events a cornerstone of our wellness initiatives.
3. Self-Defense Classes with Upwey Taekwondo
Confidence, safety, and strength take center stage with our new self-defense classes in collaboration with Upwey Taekwondo. These classes are more than just physical training—they’re about building mental resilience and a sense of empowerment.
Participants will learn:
How to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Techniques to boost confidence, assertiveness, and self-esteem.
Exercises to improve physical endurance, coordination, and balance.
Strategies to sharpen reflexes and enhance mental focus.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, these classes will provide invaluable tools to help you feel stronger, safer, and more self-assured in your daily life.
4. Community Group Workshops at Birdsland Education Centre
The Birdsland Education Centre will become a hub of creativity and community connection with several workshops and projects lined up for 2025.
Garden Upgrade and Gardening Groups
We’re revitalising the community vegetable garden, transforming it into a thriving space for gardening enthusiasts to come together. The garden will also serve as a backdrop for sustainable living workshops, meditation sessions, and walking groups.
Welcome Bags for New Mums
In collaboration with the Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Working Group (MADCOW), we’re launching a new initiative to create “Welcome Bags” for new mums. These thoughtfully curated bags will include essentials, information on local resources, and donated products to help new mothers feel supported and connected.
We’re seeking businesses and community groups interested in contributing to this initiative—let’s make it something truly special!
5. Postnatal Mums Group
Our much-loved Postnatal Mums Group is making a return, and we couldn’t be more excited! This unique group prioritizes the physical and mental recovery of new mothers, focusing on nurturing their well-being as they navigate life with a newborn.
In these sessions, participants will:
Learn how their bodies change after childbirth.
Discover exercises for post-birth rehabilitation.
Gain insights into self-care and baby communication.
Build confidence in a judgment-free, supportive space.
This group is about keeping it real—forget “bouncing back.” Instead, we focus on realistic, sustainable approaches to recovery and self-love. With a focus on community and shared experiences, these sessions are sure to be a source of strength and comfort for many new mums.
Facilitator Annemarie Meijerink from Nurturing Parenthood.
6. Workshops for Parents of Teens
Parenting teens can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging phases of life. That’s why, starting from February, we’re introducing a new program in collaboration with Annemarie Meijerink from Tuning into Teens. This evidence-based initiative is designed to help parents develop stronger emotional connections with their teenagers and foster better communication.
Program Highlights
7-Week Course: Includes psychoeducation, role-playing, and breakout discussions.
Emotional Connection: Learn how to help teens understand and regulate their emotions.
Practical Strategies: Take-home activities to reinforce learning between sessions.
These workshops are a direct response to community feedback, and we’re confident they’ll provide much-needed support for families navigating the teen years.
Get Involved
As we roll out these exciting initiatives, we’re calling on community members, local businesses, and volunteers to join us in making 2025 a year of growth, connection, and empowerment. Whether you want to attend an event, collaborate on a project, or contribute your skills, there’s a place for everyone.
Let’s work together to create a stronger, more united community. We can’t wait to see you at these events and hear your ideas for the future!
Stay tuned for updates and event details—2025 is going to be an incredible year.