Annual Reports
This year has been particularly significant for Villagehood Australia. As we marked five years since our founding, we reflected on how a small, community-based response to maternal loneliness and isolation has grown into a recognised, peer-led and culturally responsive model of support for mothers and families.
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From our Singing Hearts mindful group singing sessions to our advocacy at state and national levels, Villagehood Australia continues to demonstrate the power of lived-experience, relational care. Through partnerships such as our ongoing collaboration with Lockleys Children’s Centre, and through consistent community engagement, we have created spaces where mothers feel seen, connected, and supported during the early years of motherhood.
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As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on growth with integrity. This includes transitioning to a hybrid model that blends our human-centred approach with accessible digital pathways, allowing us to reach more mothers across South Australia and beyond. Advocacy will remain central to our work, as we continue to elevate mothers’ voices, contribute to national conversations on maternal mental health, and push for systems where emotional, relational and clinical care sit side by side.
With growing recognition, new ICT investment, and the continued trust of our community, Villagehood Australia is entering its next phase ready to expand our reach, strengthen our influence, and ensure that motherhood is never a lonely experience for any woman in Australia.
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This year has been particularly remarkable for Villagehood Australia. We've not only expanded our programs and outreach but have also gained recognition for the unique role we play in supporting maternal mental health.
From our 'Singing Hearts' mindful group singing sessions to our advocacy work and community events like the 'Kicking Goals for Mums' fundraiser, we are making a tangible impact on the lives of mothers and their families.
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As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding our services to meet the growing needs of our community. This includes advocating for better support for mothers at the policy level, exploring new partnerships, and ensuring that our programs are accessible to all, especially those from migrant and culturally diverse backgrounds.
In our inaugural Annual General Meeting, I am delighted to share the remarkable journey of Villagehood Australia since its launch in 2020.
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The escalating challenges of postnatal depression have underscored the urgency of our mission. The tragic increase in maternal suicide attempts and the loss of four lives in the West of Adelaide last year highlight the real impact on mothers, families, and communities.
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In our community of 30,000 mothers with young children, around 3,000 women are battling postnatal depression and urgently need our support. While we have assisted over 1,500 women since 2020, our existing programs are at capacity, necessitating additional funding for expansion.
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Villagehood Australia understands the hardships of motherhood, from self-doubt to guilt and loneliness. We believe in a better way, and since our launch, we've built a strong network of mothers, professionals, and volunteers. Despite the challenges posed by the Global Pandemic, we've not only endured but strengthened.
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This year has been remarkable for Villagehood Australia, and we are proud of the positive impact we've made so far. As we gather for our first AGM, let's celebrate our achievements and look forward to expanding our reach.