Free mental health and first aid training for regional women is returning, with Armidale, Forster, Tweed Heads, Grafton and Gunnedah among eight communities set to host workshops.
The NSW Government is investing $60,000 to bring back the Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow, delivered in partnership with St John Ambulance NSW.
Nearly 400 regional, rural and remote women have taken part in the training since it began in 2025.
“Knowing first aid can literally be the difference between life and death, and in regional and rural communities, where help can be further away, women are often the first on the scene,” said Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty.
“Nearly 400 women have already taken part, and it’s great to see this training heading to even more communities, including Forster, Nowra and Armidale.”
The next round of 16 workshops is expected to reach up to 240 women. Each location will host a full-day workshop in both first aid and mental health.
Dates for 2026 are:
- Forster: Friday, 6 November, and Saturday, 7 November
- Nowra: Friday, 13 November, and Saturday, 14 November
- Armidale: Friday, 27 November, and Saturday, 28 November.
Workshops will also be held in Tweed Heads, Queanbeyan, Grafton, Gunnedah and Orange in 2027, with dates to be announced.
Registrations open today for Forster, Nowra and Armidale.
The accredited training covers how to respond in emergencies, recognise mental health issues, spot people who may be in imminent crisis, provide appropriate help, and know where to direct people for further support.
“It’s not just about physical injuries either,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This program gives women the skills to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, until professional help is available.”
“Women in regional and rural communities play an important role in supporting the people around them,” said Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
“This training gives women practical skills and recognised qualifications that can help them respond when someone needs support whether it is during an emergency or if they are experiencing mental health challenges.”
“By bringing free training directly to communities, the Minns Labor Government is making it easier for women to access opportunities that may not otherwise be available close to home.”
The roadshow is part of a wider push that also includes free regional wellbeing workshops with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, the Investing in Women Grants program and the Rural Women’s Gathering.
“With nearly 400 women taking part since the Roadshow began, it’s clear there is a real appetite for this training in regional and rural NSW,” said St John Ambulance NSW Acting CEO Vanessa Lorford-Smith.
“Taking the program to eight communities across the state means even more women will gain the First Aid and Mental Health skills to step in when it matters most.”
“When women feel confident and prepared, whether at home, at work or in their local community, the whole region is stronger and better.”
Find out more and register at nsw.gov.au/rwn-roadshow.
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