DWNA President’s New Year Message!

Dear Community Members,
Namaste and Warm Greetings,

The year 2025 marked a special year for the DBSV community as we stepped up to form Didibahini Women’s Network Australia (DWNA) and the Beyond Happiness media. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of DWNA to every remarkable woman and community member who has been part of our journey. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment have been the driving force behind our collective achievements. The past year presented us with challenges as well as moments of celebration. Through unity, determination, and mutual support, we have grown into a stronger and more connected community. Your unwavering trust and participation remain our greatest strength.
DWNA is guided by the values of compassion, courage, respect, and progress, and our work is anchored in five key strategic pillars: women’s health and wellbeing; capacity and confidence building; family and social connection; research and innovation; and creative cultural celebration.
We are proud to work in partnership with more than nine city councils, including Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, as well as with a wide range of organisations such as the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), Banksia Gardens, Reclink Australia, Breast Screening Victoria, BIC Health Awaz, Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), local community health centres, Life Saving Victoria, the Department of Health, Western Water Treatment Plant,, Australian Human Rights Commission, FENCCA, FECCA, Root of Resilience (ROR), Heads Up, RMIT University, Latrobe University, Deakin University Nepali Language Schools, Norish, Uniting Church, local media agencies, and many other community organisations.
Highlights of DBSV Programs – 2025
• Three months of mental health support for young international students at the time of Nepal’s GenZ movement
Breast screening services were provided to 128 senior community members in collaboration with Breast Screening Victoria
• Health awareness, including self-cervical cancer awareness and community consultations engaging more than 100 participants, in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care
• $7000 raised through the Teej Festival, supporting AWAJ, an NGO assisting survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Nepal
• Teej celebrations across multiple DWNA units in Victoria, strengthening cultural and social connections
• Two-day Mother’s Day “Beyond Happiness” Retreat inthe  Yarra Valley
• International Women’s Day celebration
• Sound of Nepal Musical event

• Team-building activities promoting cultural diversity and inclusion
• Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, featuring inclusive panel discussions
• Gender-Based Violence Awareness in collaboration with ROR
• Workshops on understanding Victorian teenagers in a multicultural context
• Wetland conservation awareness through birdwatching activities
• Multicultural storytelling program in collaboration with Glenroy Library
• Skill-oriented training programs in partnership with Banksia Gardens
• Appreciation dinner for Glenroy United Church Council members
• Laughing Yoga and Zumba sessions promoting health and wellbeing
• All year sound healing therapy sessions for health and wellbeing
• Roundtable meetings focused on community development
• Annual family picnic at Footscray Park and in local units in Victoria
• Elder abuse awareness program
• All year mum and bub program for mums, babies and grandparents
As we embark on the New Year, let us continue to empower, inspire, and uplift one another. Thank you for being the heart and soul of DWNA, and for your continued belief in our mission. I also extend my sincere appreciation to all our sponsors and supporters, especially for VMC to celebrate our signature Teej program.
Finally, I wish all our friends and families a joyous, healthy, and fulfilling New Year 2026.

Warmest regards,
Roshani Shrestha
President | DWNA