As Christmas and the end of the year approaches, the community feels the tug of the season—planning festive events and break-up parties while juggling the year’s final ‘To Do’ list. It’s a time when everyone is a little tired and wanting to relax, but also mindful that bushfire season is near, reminding us of the need for preparation and the resolve to look out for one another.

October was a significant month for Mums of the Hills (MotHs), capping off a year dedicated to community support in the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges.

The Check Me Out project, brought to life by Mums of the Hills, Women’s Health East, and Phoenix Australia, was a compassionate, community-driven initiative aimed at nurturing the well-being of women, AFAB, and non-binary individuals. Through local roadshow events, this project created a welcoming space where people could connect with healthcare professionals, ask questions, and learn about their health. This initiative sought not only to empower individuals with knowledge but also to make mental and physical health support more accessible for those living with the unique challenges of life in the hills. Here’s a look at the outcomes, capturing both the strengths and needs within the community.