Many queer people living in suburban and regional Victoria struggle to access mental health care despite growing community needs.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals aim to fill this gap for people aged 26 and up in places like Melton and Dandenong.

But what are some of the considerations when serving diverse populations, managing logistical challenges, and building visibility in peri-urban areas?

Our guest is Rory, an LGBTQIA+ Specialist Mental Health Manager at Thorne Harbour Health.

They speak with Jack and Joel about why social connection matters for mental health outcomes and how peer-led models differ from traditional therapy.

You’ll also hear about inclusive family practices and what social prescribing actually looks like in practice.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

In light of International Women’s Day on March 8, we discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of LBQ+ women navigating cultural expectations.

Rachel and Molly kick off by reflecting on the pride festival season coming to an end, and the lingering comedown you may feel afterwards.

Smaller queer gatherings and creative activities can fill the gap left by large festivals, and we discuss how you can stay connected to your communities through art walks, hikes, book clubs, and more.

Dr Judy Tang also joins us to chat about the mental health impact of juggling cultural and queer identities, and outline how you can set healthy boundaries, seek peer support, and foster inclusive leadership.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

Meredith from Chillout joins us to discuss Victoria’s longest‑running regional queer festival and teases out its evolution over three decades.

This modest grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone event for our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities, and plays a pivotal role in fostering visibility and belonging in rural settings.

Shaped by both tradition and innovation, organising this multi‑day celebration isn’t easy given the limited resources Meredith and the team have to work with.

She speaks with Cal and Jack about how the Chillout team overcome funding constraints, regulatory requirements, and limited people power, and how they hope to do this for years to come.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.