News

Spreading dignity and awareness

By Lua Ikenasio

Jun 2, 2026

Darcie Varapodio, Tammy Sellwood, Julie Moyle, Michele Uebergang, Jill Peters and Glynis Kelly were among the day’s guests. Photo by Matthew Kappos

More than 100 women gathered at Essen Echuca on Sunday afternoon to learn more about Share the Dignity’s work and its local impact across the Campaspe region.

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While the organisation has been active in the area for some time, the event aimed to improve visibility and strengthen community support ahead of future campaigns.

Share the Dignity committee member Julie Moyle shares a few words about the different stakeholders. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Attendees heard from committee members about the organisation’s three key campaigns, how donated period products are collected and distributed to women and girls in need, and opportunities for the community to get involved.

Guest speakers from Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Echuca also spoke about their work in the region and their partnership with Share the Dignity in supporting vulnerable community members.

Glynis Kelly introduces the organisation to attendees. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Committee member Glynis Kelly said the response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, especially from people learning about Share the Dignity for the first time.

“The day was for awareness so that the local people got to know about (Share the Dignity) and the campaigns,” she said.

“It was fantastic, we’ve had so much positive feedback and people that didn’t know about the organisation now know about the event.

“Some had heard of the organisation, but they weren’t aware of the campaigns.”

Anna Thomson, Glenda Phillips, Carmel Beck and Kay Westblade share a drink. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Mrs Kelly said the event also aimed to reach younger women who regularly purchased period products, while encouraging older women to continue supporting the cause even after menopause.

Beyond community awareness events, the local Share the Dignity team works year-round with a range of organisations across Campaspe Shire.

Kristy Rees, Tracey Molluso, Lee Rees and Simone Baines took part in the evening. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The period products which are collected through the annual campaigns are collected and distributed to local organisations helping those in need.

Major campaigns include Dignity Drives held twice yearly and It’s in the Bag during the holiday season.

Tammy Sellwood gave insight about her role as social media co-ordinator for the group. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Apart from Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Echuca, other organisations include Epicentre Echuca, Echuca Regional Health, Njernda and Anglicare.

The group also supports community hubs such as Tongala Neighbourhood House, Crossenvale Community House, Echuca Neighbourhood House and Kyabram Community Learning Centre.

For more information about volunteering or the campaigns, phone Michelle Uebergang on 0409 587 657 or Julie Moyle on 0409 826 336.