EndoThrive Launch: A Historic Day for Women’s Health in Australia

By Monica Forlano, Chair, Endometriosis Australia

On the 3rd of February, Parliament House was filled with an energy I’ll never forget. Federal politicians, medical professionals, workplace leaders, athletes, and advocates gathered for one purpose: to officially launch EndoThrive, Australia’s first Endometriosis Friendly Workplace Accreditation Program.

It was a truly historic afternoon, and I’m thrilled to share what happened with those who couldn’t be there.

A Groundswell of Parliamentary Support

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis, Julian Leeser MP and Lisa Chesters MP. Ms Chesters shared something particularly moving, that the Honourable Gai Brodtmann, who was present at our launch, inspired her to investigate her own health questions and eventually led to become co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends. Gai was the first to mention endometriosis in the House back in August 2017 and suggested the National Coalition that led to the National Action Plan on Endometriosis.

That continuity of advocacy, from nine years ago to now, reminded us all that change happens through sustained commitment and courage.

The Research Revolution: How NAPE Changed Everything

Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani, our Medical Director walked us through how the National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE) transformed Australia from a country with minimal endometriosis research funding in 2018 to one that hosted the 2025 World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney.

A/Prof Yazdani explained how Australia has become the envy of the international medical community in terms of research funding, diagnostic advancements, and treatment options. This didn’t happen by accident, it happened because of government investment, medical dedication, and sustained advocacy from people like you.

Government Commitment: Real Money, Real Impact

The Honourable Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women, spoke about the government’s landmark $792.9 million women’s health package and shared statistics that truly prove the impact of political will.

Just this Monday, the government reflected on the package 12 months on:

More than 660,000 women in Australia have accessed more than 2 million cheaper scripts for contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies, and endometriosis treatment listed on the PBS

303,000 women saved over $23 million on 573,000 scripts for the first PBS listing for new contraceptive pills in more than 20 years

363,000 women saved $45.4 million on 1.5 million scripts for the first PBS listing of new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years

More than 6,700 women with endometriosis accessed treatment at PBS prices, saving $4.9 million on 26,000 scripts in the past year

Minister White also announced that from January 2026, women will get further savings with PBS prescription medicines now at $25, with the concessional co-payment staying at $7.70.

Women with complex gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, PCOS, and chronic pelvic pain, have received help from $49 million invested to provide around 430,000 more services. Eleven added Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have opened, taking the network to 33 nationwide.

EndoThrive in Action: The Showpo Story

One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came when Dani Difalco, Head of People & Culture at Showpo, shared what EndoThrive accreditation has meant in practice.

Dani told us about all the Endo advocates in Showpo’s warehouse, staff members who have completed the EndoThrive training and now proudly display their certificates at work. But what really struck everyone in the room was the story of a new employee with endometriosis who started at Showpo.

This woman found out on her first day that Showpo had been one of the first workplaces in Australia to complete EndoThrive accreditation. She expressed surprise and was grateful to discover her condition would be understood, that she wouldn’t have to silently hide her symptoms, and that there were people who had been trained to support her.

That’s the power of EndoThrive. It’s a cultural shift that changes real lives in real workplaces.

The Mother-Daughter Story: Lucia and Miki Field

Lucia Field, who many of you know as the Blue Wiggle and daughter of original Wiggle Anthony Field, joined us alongside her mother, Miki Field. Both have endometriosis, and their conversation illuminated something critical: this condition presents differently in every person.

Lucia and Miki spoke about how Lucia’s symptoms were dramatically different from her mother’s experience. This is why dismissing symptoms or saying “well, my daughter/friend/colleague has endo and she’s fine” is so damaging. Endometriosis is a spectrum condition and understanding that diversity is crucial to providing proper support.

Thank You

To everyone who attended the launch, to the MPs and Senators who showed up and showed support, to Minister White for her presence and the government’s commitment, to our speakers who shared their stories with such courage, and to every person who has ever advocated for better recognition and treatment of endometriosis – thank you.

The afternoon at Parliament House proved something we’ve always known when we work together across government, healthcare, workplaces, sports, and communities, we can create real, lasting change.

EndoThrive is just the beginning. With your continued support, we’re building a future where no one must wait over 6 years for a diagnosis, where everyone can access resources in their first language, and where workplaces understand that supporting employees with endometriosis isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for everyone.

One in seven women and people presumed female at birth have endometriosis by the age of 49. That means it’s affecting someone you know. Let’s keep building the systems that support them properly.

If your workplace is interested in EndoThrive accreditation, please reach out to us and Divya Gokal our EndoThrive Program Manager would be delighted to share how we can make your workplace more inclusive.

We have a big announcement next week that we are super excited to share with you on what we have planned in March and how you can be a part of it.

Grateful for your support,

Monica Forlano

Chair, Endometriosis Australia

For more information about EndoThrive workplace accreditation, visit https://endometriosisaustralia.org/endo-at-work-program/endothrive-workplace-support-endometriosis/

To learn more about supporting Endometriosis Australia’s programs, visit https://endoaustralia.org.au/