A sexually healthy life includes sex positivity, pleasure, respect and access to evidence-based information about sexual education and consent.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of our newly refreshed Loddon Mallee regional sexual and reproductive health strategy: Her Health Matters (2023-26). Featuring a keynote presentation by pleasure expert Anita Brown-Major, founder of Thrive Rehab and Cliterate.

Positive sexual health is not only crucial for individuals but also for the wellbeing of couples, families, and entire communities. It encompasses pleasurable sexual experiences that are safe, consensual, and free from coercion, discrimination, or violence; access to evidence-based information; and safe and accessible health services that are provided free from stigma and discrimination.

Open to all, this online event provides a platform for service providers, practitioners, and community alike to come together, learn from experts, and engage in discussions around promoting positive sexual health and wellbeing for women* and girls across the Loddon Mallee region.

Plus, join in on the conversation with our expert panelists:

Dr. Karishma Kaur – General Practitioner, Bendigo Primary Care Centre and Bendigo Community Health Services
Rhiannon Jennings - Rural Development Coordinator, YACVic
Gabrielle Mentz – Gender Equality Health Promotion Officer, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee

Auslan interpretation will be available throughout the duration of this event.

About Anita Brown-Major:

Anita (she/her) is an Occupational Therapist with 25 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. With a passion for the recognition of all people as sexual beings, Anita has completed extensive research into the importance of sexuality - not just sex, but relationships, intimacy, and self-esteem - for people living with different abilities and bodies, ensuring a focus on quality of life.

In 2016, Anita founded Thrive Rehab, a small team of occupational therapists and sexual health nurses delivering client-centred support to a diverse community of clients. Thrive celebrate people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. They are committed to working alongside all clients, respecting each person's unique world view and health needs.

Thrive Rehab recently created Cliterate, a 3D pull-apart model to support education for healthcare professional, educators, clients, and students. Cliterate accurately shows the interaction of the vulva, clitoris and pelvis and helps people of all abilities to understand AFAB (assigned female at birth) anatomy.
Member – International Clitteratti
Member - Australia Sexology Association
Member – Australian Occupational Therapy Association
www.thriverehab.com.au
www.cliterate.com.au

*WHLM refers to women to include anyone who lives and identifies as a woman. In reference to ‘women’ our work in sexual and reproductive health advocacy also extends to include all transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people who may access women's sexual and reproductive health services. WHLM acknowledge that neither sex nor gender are binary in nature and that socially constructed understandings of what it means to be woman or man do not reflect the gender diversity of our community. As a rights-based organisation, championing gender equality and social justice, WHLM firmly believes in everyone’s right to self-determine and to safely express their gender.

About the Panelists:

Dr. Karishma Kaur – General Practitioner, Bendigo Primary Care Centre and Bendigo Community Health Services

Dr Karishma Kaur, is a General Practitioner at Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) within the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Hub, and Bendigo Primary Care Centre. She is a graduate from India and moved to Australia to pursue higher qualifications. She worked in Hervey Bay hospital as a Medical Registrar, then moved to Victoria closer to family. She worked in various departments in Bendigo Health, also did a year as a Rehabilitation Registrar. Due to her immense interest in primary care, she trained in various practices in Bendigo and attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General practitioners. She has a great connection with community and participates actively in local events. She has developed advanced skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health. She is trained to provide early pregnancy care, including unplanned pregnancies and early miscarriage management.

Areas of Interest include Sexual and reproductive health; General medicine; Pediatrics.

Rhiannon Jennings - Rural Development Coordinator, YACVic

Passionate about empowering the next generation and hailing from a rural background herself, Rhi has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people in rural areas. Committed to fostering growth, advocating for young people’s rights, and improving access to crucial services and opportunities, sexual reproductive health and wellbeing has fast become a priority for YACVic’s Rural Presence Project in the Mallee.

Gabrielle Mentz - Gender Equality Health Promotion Officer, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee

Gabrielle (she/her) is a health promotion officer with a background in adult education. She is passionate about sex education for adults, to address the fear surrounding sexuality and gender in Australia.

In 2021, Gabrielle completed a Graduate Certificate in Sex, Health and Society - which was designed by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and the first nationally accredited course in Gender Equity in Australia. In 2022, Gabrielle joined Women's Health Loddon Mallee as a Health Promoter in Gender Equality.