The Vietnamese Daughters of the West program, now in its fifth year, is an essential initiative within the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation's efforts to empower diverse communities through health education and wellbeing.
Since launching in 2020, the program has grown steadily, with over 200 Vietnamese women graduating—a stark contrast to the two participants who joined the mainstream program in 2019.
Quyen, who facilitated the Vietnamese program this year, emphasized the sense of community that has grown around the sessions.
"Every year, the number of registrations for the program increases, and that is a great encouragement for me personally, and for the program in general," she said.
Beyond the physical and educational benefits, the program has fostered strong friendships, as women lingered after each session to chat and offer support to one another.
Daughters of the West is a 10-week program designed to improve the physical and mental health of women in the community through education and exercise. Each session covers vital health topics—such as mental fitness, nutrition and health screenings —delivered in a way that is accessible and engaging with a focus on culturally safe environments for our culturally and linguistically diverse cohorts.
Participants also engage in fitness activities like Zumba and Tai Chi, fostering a sense of fun and connection. Funded by local, and state governments, and supported by major partner WorkSafe Victoria, the program is rigorously evaluated by Victoria University to ensure it remains best practice and continues to drive positive change in the community.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, a nation-leading organization, uses the power of sport to deliver life-changing programs designed in collaboration with the community to ensure they meet the needs of diverse groups and remove barriers to access, such as cultural and linguistic differences.
For Kim Chi Le, a participant in this year's Vietnamese program, the health education sessions were invaluable.
"I feel like I am mentally and physically better. I now know how to pay attention to eating healthier, love myself more, and especially know how to listen when someone needs me to,” she said.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is a nation leader in its efforts to use the communal power of sport to inspire impactful change; and for Bich Hong, attending her first-ever Western Bulldogs football match as part of the program was an unforgettable immersion into a key aspect of Australian culture.
“We shouted and applauded with joy... it was so exciting, we had so much fun,” she said, illustrating how the program helps bridge cultural experiences in addition to its focus on health and fitness.
The Vietnamese Daughters of the West is helping break down barriers and create lasting change. The program's success not only lies in the health outcomes of its participants but also in the strong sense of community it fosters—proving that with the right support, everyone has the chance to thrive.
As the demand for these culturally tailored programs continues to grow, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation has run health and wellbeing programs for African diaspora, Iraqi Syriac and Indian cohorts across Melbourne's inner west and beyond.
Through the support of Major Partner WorkSafe Victoria, as well as cohealth, the Foundation also reaches out to the South Australian border with a wide focus on focus on young people, gender equity, prevention of family violence, diversity, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
