Wide Bay Women's Health Centre Inc.

Wide Bay Women's Health Centre Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women in the Wide Bay Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. Established in 1989 by a group of women concerned about the lack of resources available for women in the Hervey Bay and Maryborough areas, the Centre aims to empower women through a comprehensive range of health services and support programs[1].

Mission and Values

The Centre is committed to enhancing the quality of life for women by fostering physical and emotional health, providing confidential support, and encouraging personal and social growth. It emphasizes respect for cultural diversity, including strong partnerships with local Indigenous communities, and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which it operates. The organization upholds values of dignity, kindness, honesty, openness, and responsibility in its work and relationships[1][2].

Services

Wide Bay Women's Health Centre offers a wide array of services tailored to the needs of women, including:

• Confidential counselling on all aspects of women’s health and sexual assault
• Information, education, and referral services
• Support and assistance concerning domestic violence
• Self-development groups and educational workshops covering topics such as anger management, anxiety and depression, coping with change, empowerment, grief and loss, parenting, relationships, resilience, personal safety, and the Tree of Life program
• Coordination of Indigenous women's educational, social, and emotional wellbeing programs in partnership with community organizations
• Holistic health and wellbeing activities including yoga, Indigenous women’s clinics, relaxation/meditation, and anxiety recovery groups[1][2][4]

The Centre operates on a client-directed model, where women are empowered to guide the course of their therapy and the services they receive, fostering autonomy and engagement[2][4].

Community Involvement

Women are encouraged to become members of the Centre, with membership providing access to resources such as a library, newsletters, and invitations to Annual and General Meetings. The Centre promotes a supportive community environment where women can participate actively in programs designed to enhance their wellbeing and social participation[2].

Governance and Registration

Wide Bay Women's Health Centre Inc. is registered as a charity and holds the Australian Business Number (ABN) 11301450257RR0001. It operates from Torquay, Queensland and is recognized for providing accessible and affordable services to women in the region[3].

This organization continues to play a vital role in the Wide Bay Burnett community by responding to the diverse health and social needs of women, fostering empowerment, and supporting wellbeing through holistic and culturally sensitive programs.

[1] https://wbwhc.org.au [2] https://wbwhc.org.au/services/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/ac657116-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [4] https://www.qld.gov.au/community/women/support-for-women/find-a-support-service/view?title=Women%27s+Health+Centre+-+Wide+Bay [5] https://www.widebay.health.qld.gov.au/patients-and-visitors/womens-health-appointments