General News
9 October, 2025
Hopetoun hosted successful women's health night
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria hosted a successful women’s health education evening at the Hopetoun Bowling Club on Tuesday, September 30.
Led by Rural Women’s GP Dr Susan Lewis, the free session focused on key issues affecting women of all ages, including iron deficiency and everyday vulval and vaginal irritations.
Dr Lewis has been providing healthcare to the Hopetoun community for more than 20 years and remains a highly respected figure in rural women’s health.
Local event organiser Judy Fergusan said the night was well received despite coinciding with school holidays.
“It was a smaller crowd than usual, but it was very informative and well accepted,” she said.
“Everyone who was there joined in, asked questions, and learned heaps about iron deficiency from Susan.”
About 25 local women attended the evening, ranging in age from the 20s to the 90s.
“It was great to see women from 25 to 90 years old interacting freely and asking questions without being prompted,” she said.
“That was the highlight of the night.”
Dr Lewis plans to return to Hopetoun for clinic appointments in about a month and continues to encourage women to book consultations through the local medical centre.
“She’s really keen for people to know when she’s in town so her appointments stay fully booked,” she said.
“We discussed putting ads in the paper or posting on Facebook to help spread the word.”
The organiser said the event’s success was also thanks to the RFDS’s ongoing support.
“We’re lucky that the Flying Doctors fully fund it, so we’re not out of pocket at all,” she said.
She praised Dr Lewis’s commitment to the region, noting the long journey she makes to reach Hopetoun.
“She drives from Mallacoota to Melbourne and then takes the RFDS car up here,” she said.
“She’s really dedicated to rural women’s health - a big asset to our community.”
Ms Fergusan said organisers plan to hold another women’s health session early next year, likely in February or March, again at the Hopetoun Bowling Club.