New charity supporting women’s wellbeing

WELLNESS advocate Di Browne has launched a new charity, Together She Thrives, to help women connect through community-based activities such as breathing exercises, bushwalking, and barefoot bowling.

The not-for-profit organisation also offers free five-week programs for teenage girls, designed to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Based in Mullumbimby, Browne is a group fitness instructor who runs affordable Pilates community classes for just $5, alongside a gentle, chair-based exercise class for older adults.

She also co-hosts women’s retreats under the Thrive Getaways banner and facilitates Out & About, a women’s group with around 100 local members. In recognition of her work, Browne received the Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2025 Byron Shire Council Community Awards.

“Out & About has been so successful that I wanted to formalise it and make something more accessible to everyone, no matter their situation,” she said.

Browne said that many women and teenage girls in the Byron Shire and surrounding areas are facing increasing challenges, including social isolation, anxiety and the ongoing impacts of natural disasters and cost-of-living pressures.

“There aren’t many free, grassroots programs just for women and girls, so people miss out on safe spaces to connect, share and build resilience,” she said.

“Together She Thrives was created to fill that gap – to give women and girls a place where they feel supported, included and empowered.”

Events are led by volunteers, but Browne is actively applying for grants and exploring other funding sources to help the organisation grow.

“We also welcome donations or community support of any kind,” she said. “Even a few hundred dollars makes a big difference in helping us create safe, supportive spaces for women and teen girls.Our long-term vision is to expand as funding allows – offering transport assistance, guest speakers and a broader range of programs.”

While Together She Thrives is based in the Byron Shire, it is open to all women and teenage girls in the wider Northern Rivers region.

Upcoming events include Barefoot Bowls at Brunswick Heads on Saturday, September 27, a bushwalk in Mount Jerusalem National Park on Wednesday, October 1 and Pilates in Mullumbimby on Monday, October 6. The next free Teen Girls Five-Week Program will begin in early November.

For more information, follow Together She Thrives on Facebook or email [email protected].