Prioritising Wellbeing

It’s not easy to prioritise our own health and wellbeing when life is busy. There’s always something, or someone, that feels more urgent. But as we get older, we start to realise the cost of constantly putting ourselves at the bottom of the “to-do” list. Yesterday we celebrated a group of women who are paving the way for us, reminding everyone to 'Let's Make a Date' for self-care.

Over the past two years, through an innovative partnership between Clunes Neighbourhood House and Central Highlands Rural Health, and with funding from the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, our community had the opportunity to explore the challenge of caring for ourselves as we get older through the Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn Project. While the extension of the project officially wrapped earlier this year, the relationships, insights, and connections that grew from it have continued to thrive and yesterday’s celebration was proof of that.

The 'Let's Make a Date' event celebrated the science and the humanity behind living and ageing well in place.

The Science:

It marked the publication of a Chronic Conditions Focus Group report quantifying the impact of meaningful activity, connection, and professional support on wellbeing here in Clunes.

Chronic Conditions_Report_2025.pdf

Download PDF • 2.93MB

That study, shared with the Western Victoria Primary Health Network adds to the legacy that's been created via the Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn project.

The Humanity:

The event also marked another amazing publication, the 'Let's Make a Date' calendar featuring remarkable local women — role models, carers, professionals, and community leaders — who have come together to share their experiences through the beautiful Mindful Serenity art and meditation program by Jen Fraser. Together, they’ve created a stunning calendar that captures their journey and encourages others to live life as fully as they do.

This calendar is available for purchase at BOOM Clunes, 28 Fraser Street, Clunes. Open Thursday - Monday, 10am til 3pm. But get in quick. Calendars are disappearing fast!

A personally heartfelt thank you to Phil Catterson, Deputy CEO, Di Connor, Project Officer and the team at Central Highlands Rural Health for their expertise in this second stage of the project, and Jen Fraser, Mindful Serenity for her inspiring creative leadership, and to every participant and supporter who helped make this project such a meaningful celebration of living well at every age.

Here’s to connection, community, and the courage to put our wellbeing first. 🌸