We sat down with federal representatives to talk about childcare, family violence, and the realities facing families in our community. What was shared in the room was thoughtful, honest, and deeply lived. But what stayed with me most were the gaps in the conversation, and what we didn’t get time to say.

Support is out there. But in the hills, getting to it isn’t always simple. As costs rise, more families are quietly pulling back from the things that keep them connected. The services exist, but they’re often out of reach until things hit crisis. This piece explores where the gaps are and why local support matters more than ever.

March wasn’t just busy, it was meaningful. From International Women's Day conversations to DGR recognition and disaster recovery discussions, one thing stood out: connection changes outcomes. This piece reflects on the spaces where women, community and lived experience shape what comes next.

Skip the traffic but keep the fun. Here is your guide to school holiday activities local to the hills.

Enough is Enough began in the wake of tragedy in our own community, when partner violence was no longer a distant issue but a local reality. What started as a collaborative call to action has grown into a commitment to prevention, connection and cultural change. As International Women’s Day 2026 calls us to “Balance the Scales,” this article reflects on where our campaign began — and why sustained, organised advocacy is now more important than ever.

The recent ABC Four Corners episode reported on allegations concerning medical treatment provided to women in our broader region. While investigations and formal processes will take their course, the program has understandably caused distress for some members of our local community. This expression of interest is simply about offering a space of care and connection for those who may be affected.

We finished with a splash. From self defence and teen parenting support to gut health, alcohol free conversations and a giant bomb dive at the pool, our Yarra Ranges Council Community Grant journey has been powerful, joyful and deeply connecting.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give To Gain.

At first glance, it sounds simple. But what if it is less about transaction and more about culture? Less about what we receive, and more about what we model.

What happens to a community when women celebrate each other openly? What happens to mental health when generosity contracts? And what kind of world are we shaping for our daughters through the way we speak about other women?

I’ve shared some reflections on this year’s theme and what it might really be asking of us.

Cancelled school, emotional-support soft toys, and “working remotely” from a shopping centre food court. A poem for mums holding it together during bushfire season.

This blog explores the subtle ways women learn to monitor their bodies from a young age, how those habits shift through motherhood, and why connection matters more than confidence. It weaves personal story with research and reflection, without asking anyone to “fix” themselves.

When last week’s fires raged just beyond our doorstep, every mum, kid and neighbour on the mountain felt it. We were lucky - heartbreakingly lucky. Now our community is asking: how do we support those who weren’t?
Here’s where to start, and how to help gently, wisely and together.

MotHs is once again proud to support the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service Inc. (DRERS) and their annual Christmas Gift Appeal. DRERS has been helping local families with dignity and care since 1998, and their Christmas program is beautifully tailored to meet the real needs of families right here in the hills.

A reflection on the questions attending the Big Map workshop raised and what happens when emergency services and communities try to work together. A fun, honest look at trust, habits, online groups and why community networks matter most in a disaster.

We Did It! Mums of the Hills Inc. is now a registered charity!

Summer’s on the way so we’re getting our mind, body and abode ready!

Join us for our Self-Defence Classes (confidence + strength), Microbiome for Lifelong Wellness Workshop (gut health made easy), and Insurance Health Check (because adulting counts as self-care too). Learn, laugh, and prepare for the season ahead from the inside out.

Over the years, many mums in Mums of the Hills have bravely shared their experiences of miscarriage and the support they’ve received from this community.

This blog acknowledges the especially difficult “in-between” stage of a missed miscarriage, when the body still feels pregnant even after the pregnancy has ended.

The blog may be helpful for those walking through this experience themselves, or for friends and family wanting to better understand how to support someone.

September was huge for MotHs. We ran together at the R.U.T.H. Run, we gathered to share stories at What Keeps Us Going, and we stood united with local groups against partner violence. A month of courage, connection and community spirit—read more about it in our latest blog.

From the Dandenong Ranges to North Queensland, when lives are on the line, 000 must always work. This blog is written in response to the recent Optus 000 outages.

We did it!! MOTHer ROCKers rocked as the guest performers for the Parents Battle of the Bands. We couldn’t be prouder.