On Saturday 31st August, The Australian Women’s Weekly is hosting its inaugural Health Summit. Talking all things menopause, mental health, fitness, finances and nutrition, there will be thirteen speakers sharing their experiences and expert advice to help you live your best life.
Continue reading to meet the 2024 line-up of Health Summit panelists.
Emcee & Host
Editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly Sophie Tedmanson will host the inaugural Health Summit and kick off the proceedings with a welcome address.
To emcee the Health Summit and moderate the Mental Health panel, Jessica Rowe AM is a mum, accomplished journalist, television presenter, three-time best selling author, Podcaster and Australia’s most popular “Crap Housewife”. Jess passionately advocates for mental health awareness as an ambassador for Beyond Blue.
Mental Health
Moderated by Jessica Rowe, the Mental Health panel will aim to open up discussions around issues we all face, and provide expert advice and shared experiences to guide summit attendees.
Jodi Gordon, an acclaimed Australian actor and model, is known for her roles in Home and Away and Neighbours. Starting her career at 13, she won a Logie Award in 2006. Beyond acting, Jodi is a passionate mental health advocate, using her platform to promote awareness and support. She’s also a devoted mother and active in charity work.
Julie Goodwin is still one of the nation’s favourite home cooks and Australia’s original MasterChef. Thrust into the limelight, Australia’s favourite Mum became the Julie Goodwin brand; TV shows, best-selling books, radio, appearances, columns and endorsements were all to follow. Thrust into the limelight, Australia’s favourite Mum became the Julie Goodwin brand; TV shows, best-selling books, radio, appearances, columns and endorsements were all to follow.
Associate Professor Liz Dale, a proud Worimi woman, earned her PhD from the University of Wollongong in 2021. She is an AHPRA-endorsed clinical psychologist and Indigenous health researcher. Liz conducts innovative research in psychology and Indigenous health and directs the Masters of Indigenous Health program at UOW. With over 18 years of clinical experience, she specialises in Indigenous health, intergenerational trauma, addictions, and eating disorders. Liz provides cultural supervision and safety training for various organizations and is a member of multiple professional associations, including AIPA, IAHA, and NEDC.
Financial Health
Effie Zahos is one of Australia’s foremost personal finance commentators, and our resident expert, with more than twenty years of experience assisting Australians in maximising their money. Known for her straightforward approach, she has a talent for making financial matters easy to understand.
In her session, she will talk all things financial planning, managing your superannuation, investing, how to get financial stability at all ages, and share her tips and tricks.
Fitness
Michelle Bridges, a top Australian personal trainer, is renowned for her 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program. In 2024, she introduced The Menopause Method, a specialised initiative offering tailored exercise, nutrition, and wellness support for women during menopause. This program reflects Michelle’s dedication to addressing unique health challenges with compassion and expertise.
To get you up and moving, she will host a low-impact exercise demonstration to show you how to keep up your fitness levels.
Menopause
The Menopause panel, hosted by Dr Ginni Mansberg, will tackle the big issues from peri- to post-, covering everything you need to know about menopause including medical expert advice and their own personal journeys, from symptoms and hormones, to how to best manage your health.
Dr. Ginni Mansberg is a Sydney GP with a focus on women’s health and hormonal conditions. She’s co-founder of Evidence Skincare (ESK), bestselling author of The M Word, and the ‘Sunrise GP’ on Channel 7. A prominent TV presenter, podcaster, and educator, she was named Australia’s most trusted healthcare professional in 2022.
Alison Brahe (Daddo), a former top model, focused on charity and early childhood education after moving to the USA. Returning to Australia in 2017, she supported domestic abuse survivors and youth mentoring. She released Queen Menopause in 2022 and co-founded Aviiana, a wellness platform for peri/menopausal women.
Myf Warhurst, known for her role on ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks, is Australia’s Eurovision commentator and co-host of the Bang On podcast. She voices Aunt Trixie on Bluey and has a rich broadcasting history with Triple J and ABC’s Double J. Myf presented the ABC’s Catalyst series The Truth About Menopause and released her memoir Time Of My Life in 2022.
Dr. Sarah White is the CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Australia’s leading source for women’s health information. She serves on the National Women’s Health Advisory Council and the TGA’s Women’s Health Products Group. Formerly, she led Quit, directed communications at the Royal Women’s Hospital, and worked with Ludwig Cancer. Dr. White holds a PhD in paediatric genetics and began her career researching breast cancer at University College London. She remains active in research as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.
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