Macquarie University Women's Collective

This week marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a time that urges us to reflect, listen, and stand together against all forms of gender-based violence. Violence against women occurs in every community and can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and systemic abuse. Its impacts are profound and long-lasting, and no woman should ever have to navigate them alone.
At MqWoCo, we stand with survivors and with all women who deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear. Our commitment goes beyond awareness. We aim to help build a culture where violence is challenged, where harmful behaviours are not normalised, and where women feel supported, believed, and valued.
Real change begins with education and continues with collective responsibility. We encourage our community to learn, speak up, support one another, and engage in actions that contribute to a safer and more equitable future for women everywhere.
We honour the strength of survivors, remember those whose voices have been silenced, and reaffirm our dedication to creating a world where every woman can thrive.
Victims of domestic and family violence can find information about support services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting: https://www.1800respect.org.au




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This month we recognise National Family Caregivers Month and honour the incredible strength, compassion and resilience of family members who step into caring roles every day.

Family caregivers give their time, energy and emotional labour to support loved ones through illness, injury and major life changes. Their work often happens quietly, yet their impact is life changing.

At WoCo, we celebrate and thank the caregivers in our community. We see you, we value you and we acknowledge the challenges you carry.

If you are a caregiver, please remember you are not alone. Your wellbeing matters. Reach out, connect and seek support when you need it. 💛

Carer Gateway provides information and advice on the supports available to carers across Australia, and has a great range of online resources to help promote carer wellbeing. To find out more and to access online support services, head to carergateway.gov.au.

❕❕DEADLINE EXTENDED❕❕
We are extending the application deadline to join our exec team next semester! Swipe on to see some of the key benefits of joining WoCo ✨
If you are looking for a fulfilling and fun role that is based in community, fill in the link in our bio 🫶🏻

Time to get mo-tivated. 🥸
Movember is here and we’re standing with the men & masc-aligned folks in our lives 🥸💙

We’re growing mos (or cheering from the sidelines), moving 60km, starting real conversations.

Need support? See Slide 3 for 24/7 help; in an emergency call 000.

Members, guess what?! 👀 The Women’s Collective (WoCo) at Macquarie University is now recruiting for our 2026 executive team.🌟🌟
We’re looking for passionate and driven individuals to join us our community.

Available roles:
President | Vice President | Treasurer | Secretary | Community Partnerships | Marketing & Events

If you’re ready to make an impact, build leadership experience, and be part of something meaningful - apply now! LINK IN BIO OR DM US 💜

✨ Good luck with exams, MQ! ✨

This season can be a lot - late nights, countless notes, endless coffees. We see you, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way 💛

Here are a few gentle reminders from WoCo:

😌 Rest is productive
🥑 Fuel your brain
🧘‍♀️ Move and breathe
💬 Ask for help when you need it

Macquarie has free wellbeing spaces, de-stress for success events, and heaps of support through the Student Wellbeing team - you’re never on your own.​

You’ve made it this far for a reason - trust that you can get through this, too. Good luck from all of us at mq.woco 💛

Thank you to everyone that attended on Wednesday night! We feel incredibly fortunate to have heard from 3 incredible speakers ~ and to have had such a receptive audience. The energy, curiosity and level of reflection in the room was great to see!

📣 Introducing WoCo’s 2025 Execs for the second semester!💌

Meet the people behind the scenes of Women’s Collective. We’re here to create a safe space for women, non-binary, and gender diverse people. 🌈💐

Keep your eyes peeled for our events and meet more members of WoCo, where we hope to build an empowered community!🥰

We need action - and you are invited!
📣 6-8 pm OCTOBER 29 📣

Join .woco and as we host a powerful panel bringing together survivors, activists, and researchers. We will unpack the real, systemic causes of gendered violence and what accountability can look like in our institutions, workplaces, and daily lives.

The event will include:
🎤 Panel discussion
🍴 Light snacks
🤝 Space to connect, network and reflect

This is a chance to be part of something bigger ~ to listen, learn, and take action alongside others who care.

📲 Be sure to register your interest via the link below or in our bios.

https://forms.gle/Rax28NkLEZXYWVaD9

We need action - and you are invited!

Join .woco and as we host a powerful panel bringing together survivors, activists, and researchers. We will unpack the real, systemic causes of gendered violence and what accountability can look like in our institutions, workplaces, and daily lives.

The event will include:
🎤 Panel discussion
🍴 Light snacks
🤝 Space to connect, network and reflect

This is a chance to be part of something bigger ~ to listen, learn, and take action alongside others who care.

📲 Be sure to register your interest via the link below or in our bios.

https://forms.gle/Rax28NkLEZXYWVaD9

💚 World Mental Health Day 2025 💚

This year’s theme, Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes & Emergencies, highlights the importance of ensuring everyone can reach the support they need, especially in challenging times.

In moments of crisis, access to care can make all the difference. Whether facing global emergencies or personal challenges, mental health is a human right, not a privilege. 🌍

At WOCO and Macquarie University, we’re committed to creating a campus culture where mental health is prioritised, conversations are open, and help is always within reach.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact:
📞 Lifeline 13 11 14
📞 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
📞 13 YARN (First Nations Support) 13 92 76
📱 TalkCampus – the free MQ online wellbeing app, available 24/7 for peer support from students worldwide

You are not alone. Reaching out shows strength, and support is always available. 💚