Inaugural Talanoa – Seasons of a Pacific Woman
Date: Monday 22 September 2025, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Our first talanoa brought together Pacific women to share stories about life’s shifting seasons, from becoming and blooming to shifting and legacy. It set the tone for this ongoing journey of connection and collective wisdom.
Theme: Understanding Menopause – Opening the Conversation
Our first Seasons of a Pacific Woman talanoa brought together Pacific women from across Australia to begin an open, culturally grounded conversation about menopause, a topic often unspoken in our families and communities.
Hosted by co-founders Yvonne Peacock from Western Sydney Local Health District and Tofa Amanda Moors-Mailei, of Seasons of a Pacific Woman, the session opened with prayer and acknowledgment of Country, setting a warm and respectful tone, they shared how the initiative emerged from a shared need among Pacific women to have safe, supportive spaces to talk about menopause without shame or stigma.
Family Planning Australia representatives Miri Ly and Hiromi Takahashi led an informative presentation about perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms, myths, and self-care strategies. They introduced resources such as the Menopause Symptom Checklist and the free Talkline service for confidential support. Dr Olataga Alofivae-Doorbinnia provided valuable clinical insights, explaining hormonal changes, treatment options, and the importance of lifestyle, community education, and regular health screening.
Participants shared their personal reflections, from humour and curiosity to lived experiences of hot flushes, mood changes, and emotional shifts. The conversation highlighted the importance of talking openly, supporting one another, and blending Pacific values of sisterhood, faith, and storytelling with practical health knowledge.
The group agreed to continue meeting, with the next talanoa to focus on sharing personal stories and future sessions exploring topics such as contraception, mental wellbeing, and community-led education.
Resources and more info..
Visit the Family Planning Australia website for more information and resources
Family Planning NSW Talkline: 1300 658 886
(Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm)
World Menopause Day Talanoa – Let’s Talanoa Menopause
Date: Wednesday 22 October 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Theme: Raising Awareness about Lifestyle Medicine that Supports Health and Wellbeing During Menopause
To mark World Menopause Day 2025, Seasons of a Pacific Woman hosted an online talanoa titled Let’s Talanoa Menopause, continuing our ongoing conversations about women’s health, wellbeing, and empowerment.
This gathering explored the global theme of Lifestyle Medicine , understanding how nutrition, movement, rest, emotional wellbeing, and social connection can support women through the transition of menopause. Together, participants reflected on what lifestyle medicine means in a Pacific context, recognising the importance of balance, faith, family, and collective care.
The session created a warm and culturally grounded space for Pacific women to share personal experiences, wisdom, and practical approaches to self-care. Through laughter, honesty, and encouragement, participants reaffirmed that menopause is a natural season of life, one that can be navigated with knowledge, community, and compassion.
