Queenstown Women Come Together for Community Event on Midlife Health
Women from across Queenstown gathered on Saturday 19 January for a free community event hosted by Queenstown Medical Centre. The speakers and panel discussion focused on perimenopause, menopause, and sexual wellbeing — topics often overlooked despite affecting women throughout midlife and beyond.
The gathering created a supportive, uplifting space for learning, conversation, and community building.
The afternoon brought together three speakers: author and Feminist Health Coach Emma Wright, Dr Kathryn Smith, Queenstown Medical Centre GP, and Fiona Laryn, Clinical Director at Laryn Allied Health. Together, they offered insight, education, and compassionate discussion on perimenopause, menopause, relationships, sexuality, and the many physical and emotional changes that come with this natural stage of life.
QMC’s Dr Kathryn Smith, who has a background in women’s health, sexual health, mental wellbeing and gender-diverse care, spoke about the importance of accessible, empathetic healthcare and the need for women to feel heard and supported through these stages of life.
Attendees described the event as an opportunity for connection and open discussion, with a strong emphasis on community, shared experience, and reducing stigma around midlife health.
Organisers say the high turnout shows many women are seeking trusted information and a sense of community as they navigate this natural — yet often misunderstood — stage of life.
