News
14 August, 2026
Network provides secure home help for older women
The Southern Highlands branch of the Older Women's Network (SHOWN) has set up a program for older women in housing crisis.
The Southern Highlands branch of the Older Women's Network (SHOWN) has set up a program for older women in housing crisis.
The Older Women’s Network (OWN) is an advocacy group stretching across not only the Southern Highlands but also Goulburn and the Wollondilly, supporting older women (aged 55+) in the issues that can affect them such as homelessness, social isolation, domestic violence, coercive control, financial coercion and sexual assault in nursing homes, etc.
Their aim for the housing program, known as Homes for Older Women (HOWS) is to connect these older women with compassionate homeowners who have vacant accommodation in their homes, whether it be through a granny flat, Airbnb, etc.
"This program will definitely help us to address social isolation and loneliness for women across the Southern Highlands and further afield," SHOWN Coordinator, Sue Hayward told The Southern Wire.
Their initiative will officially be launched in the ballroom of Annesley Westwood in Bowral on Friday September 4 at 11:45am for a 12 noon start.
"We also host regular monthly meetings as well as many other groups including a walking group, book clubs, a chat & create group, a lunch group; a Saturday or Sunday matinee (live streamed ballet, opera & theatre groups) at the Empire Cinema in Bowral; and online courses," Mrs. Hayward added.
Annual membership for SHOWN is $35, and this includes insurance and membership of the various groups they run.
Their group meeting is usually held on the second Monday of each month at 2pm.
"We usually have a guest speaker followed by afternoon tea and time for socialising," Mrs. Hayward said.
"We charge $5 to cover costs, and, for catering purposes, you need to register your intention to attend.
"We send out notices of meetings each month to everyone on our distribution list.
"We are happy for you to come to one meeting to make a decision about joining our group; but expect you to join SHOWN if you would like to participate in ongoing events and activities."
The meetings are held in the Community Centre at Oaktree Retirement Village, 50 Willow Drive, Moss Vale.
For more information on the Southern Highlands branch, contact Sue Hayward on 0439 550 976, or email shown@ownnsw.org.au.
The Wollondilly branch of OWN is a smaller group who meet for lunch on the 4th Wednesday of each month at a local pub.
They also host monthly bus outings, with morning tea on route, followed by lunch close by before heading home again.
For more information on the Wollondilly network, contact Denise Scanlon on 0431 548 501 or email her at dscanlon@iinet.net.au.
The Goulburn Older Women's Network (GOWN) was founded in 2023 and meets every second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of every month for lunch.
To join the Goulburn branch, contact Janice Jensen on 0456 234 117 or email gown@ownnsw.org.au.
For more information on OWN and the other initiatives they run, contact them on (02) 9519 8044, or visit the website at https://ownnsw.org.au/.
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