Our Amazing September

September has been a month of heart, determination, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder for what matters most in our community. From our gathering for conversations at What Keeps Us Going, to joining forces in a powerful stand against partner violence to lacing up our shoes for the R.U.T.H. Run, this month has shown just how strong and connected we are.

Running Up That Hill (R.U.T.H.)

On September 21, we laced up once more for the 2025 MOTHs Running Up That Hill Run, affectionately known as The R.U.T.H.

Preparation for the R.U.T.H. started twelve weeks ago when a group of nervous non-runners joined the Runooshkas training group. Over winter, we built up distance and stamina on the hills, often with head torches on, in fog, rain, and cold. Training in winter is tough. It’s a mental test as much as a physical one, and every session was a small act of determination.

But the R.U.T.H. has always been about more than running. It’s about encouragement, connection, resilience and conquering challenges with the help of others. The run gave us a goal, but it was the Runooshkas who built friendships and created the space to share what was on our minds along the way. Sometimes you need an activity like this to carry you through life’s highs and lows. By the time the starting whistle sounded, the R.U.T.H. already felt like a success.

The 21st was something special. Along the route, people in colourful costumes handed out high fives, families and friends lined the track cheering, and strangers out for their morning walk became impromptu supporters.

I smashed the first flat 4km, but then I looked up and ahead I could see runners snaking up the hill. I suddenly had flashbacks to last year's event and how hard it was to run up that hill.

"This is going to really hurt", I thought, but a fellow Runooshkas Amy kept shouting, "we can do this" beside me, so up I ran for as long as I could.

Not going to lie, the hill was lung-busting and still a challenge I’ve yet to fully conquer (though I made it further this year!), but the view across to Melbourne’s CBD was worth every step. And crossing the finish line to cheers, hugs from fellow Runooshkas, and the smell of Glen Cooks Food’s breakfast was unforgettable. Kudos to the first across the line, Olivia who is also 30 weeks pregnant!!

At the heart of it all though was purpose. The R.U.T.H. Run raises funds for the Black Dog Institute, the only medical research institute in Australia that investigates mental health across the lifespan, from childhood through to adulthood. By taking part, we weren’t just joining a community event; we were also raising awareness and funds for mental health services that change lives.

A huge thank you to the Yarra Ranges Council for funding the event, Cognoscenti Food & Wine for sponsoring the best comp and Glen Cooks Food for sponsoring the participant who truly toughed it out.

To the incredible volunteers leading up to and on the day, you made the day run so smoothly and a total success. A massive thanks to Jemma and Emma from Sherbrooke Athletics who timed the runners too. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Finally, a huge thanks to Pete Spink for coaching the Runooshkas. Until next year, from me (Belinda) and The R.U.T.H.

Photos by the talented Pauline at Sliding Door Photography. Once again Pauline, you’ve captured the essence of the event. Thank you.

What Keeps Us Going

September 2nd was filled with honesty, care, and connection. There was a quiet, unspoken energy holding us all together. It wasn’t loud or obvious, but it was there in the way people leaned in, nodded, and smiled at one another. It felt like the room itself was whispering, ‘It’s okay. You’ve got this.’ In that moment, the walls between strangers softened, and there was this beautiful sense of comfort and belonging.

Together, we shared what it means to keep showing up through life’s challenges, while also finding space to care for ourselves along the way. There were moments of deep reflection, laughter, and shared understanding as we acknowledged both the weight we carry and the actions we take to keeps us going.

A huge thank you to Rosie Batty AO, Dr Janine Mohamed, and Tanja Kovac for sharing your stories and wisdom with such courage and compassion. You reminded us of the strength that comes from community, and how vital it is to balance caring for others with caring for ourselves.

When women come together and lift each other up, we don’t just keep going – we thrive, together.

If you were there, we’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments what you loved most about the night, the conversations that stayed with you, or how it made you feel. Let’s keep the connection going and inspire one another long after the event.

Many many thanks to Pauline Klemm from Sliding Door Photography for these beautiful photos. I can't seem to tag you so here are Pauline's details:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552592071082

Standing Against Violence

September also marked a significant step in local advocacy. Together with Single Mums of the Hills and Mountain Men, we released a joint statement against partner and family violence.

We acknowledged what too often goes unspoken, that our area is not immune to the rise of violence in relationships. With the AFL and NRL grand finals upon us, weekends statistically linked to increased incidents of family violence, it was heartening to see local sports clubs like the Olinda Cricket Club and Monbulk Cricket Club publicly commit to change. By taking part in FVREE’s 3Rs of Family Violence training, these clubs are helping to shift the story and make prevention everyone’s responsibility.

This statement was more than words. It was an invitation for the whole community to stand together and say: Enough is Enough.

Creating Connections by Restoring a Cherish Community Garden

On Saturday Sept 6th the great veggie patch restoration project took place at Birdsland Reserve. This was a collaboration between Mums of the Hills and Mountain Men to revive the community garden.

The goal? To create a space that fosters community connections, supports gardening and art groups and for our youngest community members to develop a love for gardening.

While Heath - ‘The Y Victorian Father of the Year Finalist’ - Pawely got the pizza oven going, we planted fruiting trees and Aussie bush tucker plants. Pizzas at the end were the cherry on top.

So as you can see, September showed us that strength comes in many forms: the strength to run further than you thought you could, to share honestly about what keeps you going, and to speak out against the violence that harms families and communities.

To everyone who ran, volunteered, spoke, listened, or stood with us, thank you. MotHs is stronger because of you.