27 October 2026
The Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) stands alongside Djirra and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, leaders and advocates who have issued the joint statement following the tragic death of Jayda Allen. We are proud to add our support to their call for urgent action to prevent further violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
The death of Jayda Allen is a tragedy that has deeply impacted her family, community and all those committed to ending violence against women. As the joint statement makes clear, Jayda’s death was entirely preventable, not inevitable. Aboriginal women continue to experience unacceptable and disproportionate levels of violence, and urgent action is needed to address the systemic failures that place lives at risk.
As Victoria's network of women's health services, we recognise that preventing violence against women requires sustained investment in Aboriginal self-determination, culturally safe services, and Aboriginal-led solutions. We support the call for all political parties and governments to commit to implementing the recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, particularly those that will improve safety, justice and wellbeing for Aboriginal women and communities.
We acknowledge the leadership of Djirra and the many Aboriginal organisations and leaders who continue to advocate for change while supporting their communities through grief and loss. We extend our deepest condolences to Jayda Allen's family, loved ones and community.
The Women's Health Services Network joins the growing call for urgent, meaningful action to ensure that no more Aboriginal women lose their lives to violence.
Read and support the joint statement led by Djirra: Urgent Action Needed to Save Aboriginal Women's Lives
Further contact:
Carolyn Gillespie, Chair, Women’s Health Services Network
Phone: 0498 330 168 Email: carolyn.g@whin.org.au
About Women's Health Services Network
The Women's Health Services Network has been a driving force progressing and shaping Victoria’s women’s health and equality space for four decades. While our services were established and funded independently of one another, collaboration has been a strong part of our history. Today, the 12 women’s health services funded through the state government’s Victorian Women’s Health Program collaborate under the title the ‘Victorian Women’s Health Services Network’. This enables us to work as a coordinated, mutually-reinforcing statewide network comprising both place-based and specialist services.
Website: www.whsn.org.au
WHSN Members: Women’s Health Victoria | Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health | Women with Disabilities Victoria | GenWest | Women’s Health in the North | Women’s Health East | Women’s Health in the South East | Women’s Health Loddon Mallee | Women’s Health Grampians | Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West | Women’s Health Goulburn North East | Gippsland Women’s Health