Di Browne on Creating Spaces Where Women and Girls Can Thrive
Connection, confidence and compassion are at the heart of Together She Thrives, a Byron-based not-for-profit helping women and teenage girls strengthen their mental health and sense of belonging.
Founded by Di Browne, Together She Thrives runs free weekly women’s gatherings and five-week teen programs designed to build resilience, self-esteem and community connection. From mindful movement and journaling to mentoring and outdoor adventures, every event encourages participants to slow down, share openly and rediscover their strength.
Recognised with the 2025 Byron Shire Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award, Di has become a passionate advocate for accessible, community-led mental health support. We spoke with her about how small acts of connection can make a big difference - and why, sometimes, healing begins simply by showing up. Di shares her journey, her passion for mental health advocacy and her vision for a thriving, connected future.
What inspired you to create Together She Thrives, and what was the moment that made you realise the community needed this space?
Together She Thrives grew out of a deep desire to create a safe, welcoming space where women and girls could truly connect with themselves, with others and with their sense of purpose. It started with the Out & About Group, a small circle of friends who loved connecting through outings and activities. Over time, the group grew, and it became clear that there was a real need for women to connect more broadly. Conversations kept coming back to, “I wish there was somewhere we could all come together and just connect.” That was the moment it became obvious it was time to formalise and expand the group so that all women could be included. That spark of belonging is what ignited Together She Thrives.
Your programs focus on both women and teenage girls. How do you tailor the approach to support these different age groups effectively?
While the heart of what we do is the same - connection, confidence and compassion - our approach reflects the unique stages of life. For teen girls, we focus on self-esteem, emotional expression and building supportive friendships. For women, it’s about rediscovering themselves, finding balance and nurturing their wellbeing. The activities differ, but the intention is the same: to help each person feel connected, seen, supported and valued.
All of your events are free and community-based. How important is accessibility when it comes to mental health and wellbeing?
Accessibility is absolutely essential. Mental health support shouldn’t be a luxury - it should be something everyone can access, regardless of circumstance. That’s why all of our gatherings are free and held in community spaces. For many women and teens, just walking through the door is a big step. Removing financial barriers helps make that first step easier.
Can you share a story or moment from a participant that really touched your heart or reminded you why this work matters?
There have been so many touching moments, but one that stands out is from a woman who joined our early women’s sessions. She told me she had been looking for a space like this for years - somewhere she could chat, be herself and feel genuinely connected. Hearing her say, “I feel like I’ve finally found my people,” was incredibly moving. It reminded me that even a few hours of connection can make a profound difference in someone’s sense of belonging and wellbeing.
You’ve received the 2025 Byron Shire Contribution to Health and Wellbeing Award. What does that recognition mean to you and your team?
Receiving this award was such an honour and a wonderful acknowledgement of the community I’ve been building over the years. From the Out & About Group to $5 Pilates classes, gentle chair-based exercise sessions for older adults, and the Thrive Getaways retreats I co-host, it’s a recognition that fostering connection, care and wellbeing truly matters. For me, it’s a reminder that even small initiatives - a shared class, an outing or a retreat - can ripple out and make a real difference in people’s lives.
You are enough just as you are. You don’t have to do it all alone. When we come together, we rise together.
Together She Thrives focuses on prevention as much as healing. What practical tools or habits do you find make the biggest difference for women and girls?
Simple, consistent practices make the biggest difference - things like journaling, mindful movement, breathwork and sharing circles. But connection itself is one of the most powerful forms of prevention. When women come together to chat, it releases serotonin, a natural hormone that makes us feel amazing. I truly believe that when women share their experiences, there’s almost nothing someone hasn’t been through that can’t help others move forward with confidence, knowing they’re not alone. The physical component of our activities - whether gentle exercise, walking, or movement during our outings - also contributes to feeling better, boosting mood and wellbeing. It’s about creating small, intentional rituals that women can take home and use any time, helping them tune in, connect and thrive.
Connection seems to be at the heart of your mission. How do you see community support influencing individual wellbeing?
When people feel supported and part of something bigger than themselves, everything shifts. Loneliness and isolation are huge contributors to poor mental health. Building genuine community where women and girls lift each other up gives people a sense of belonging that can’t be replaced by therapy or medication alone. It’s healing through togetherness and friendship.
The Byron Shire has a strong culture of wellness and self-growth. How does Together She Thrives fit within that local landscape?
The Byron Shire has a wonderful wellness culture, but we wanted to make that world more inclusive and less intimidating. Together She Thrives bridges the gap between self-care and community care. It’s not about perfection or having it all together - it’s about showing up as you are. We fit into the local wellness landscape as a grassroots, heart-led movement that brings connection back to the centre.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes or plans for expanding the programs — perhaps into schools or regional communities?
Yes, absolutely. We’re already exploring ways to take our programs into local schools and regional areas where resources are limited. We’d love to see Together She Thrives free events running in towns right across the Northern Rivers - places where connection can have the biggest impact. With more funding, we’ll be able to expand our teen mentoring and outreach programs significantly.
If you could share one message with women and girls, what would it be?
You are enough just as you are. You don’t have to do it all alone. When we come together, we rise together.
Di Browne, Together She Thrives
Creating safe, inclusive spaces where women and teen girls can connect, heal and grow, Together She Thrives is a local not-for-profit founded by Di Browne. Through free weekly gatherings, mentoring, workshops and wellbeing programs, the organisation is helping women and young people across the Northern Rivers build confidence, resilience and community. As Together She Thrives continues to grow, Di remains grounded in her mission to make wellbeing accessible to all. From teen girls finding their voice to women rediscovering their confidence, the organisation’s impact ripples far beyond its weekly gatherings. In a world where so many are craving connection, Together She Thrives reminds us that true healing begins in community and that when women support one another, everyone rises.