Illawarra Women's Health Centre

The Illawarra Women's Health Centre is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It provides a women-only space offering free or low-cost medical, allied, and complementary health care services as well as health and wellbeing programs, groups, and educational resources[1][3].

History and Purpose

Established to support women of all ages, abilities, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the Centre aims to foster holistic health by addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects of wellbeing. It serves as a safe, inclusive environment where women can access a broad range of health-related services tailored specifically to their needs[1].

Services

The Centre offers specialized health services including sexual and reproductive health, counselling, case work, health promotion, and group activities. Medical services include breast health awareness and checks, contraception, menopause support, cervical screening, postnatal checks, pregnancy testing, and screening and treatment for sexually transmissible infections. Complementary therapies and allied health services complement these clinical offerings[1][3][4].

Additionally, the Centre runs community groups such as gardening and yoga, promoting social connection and physical activity in supportive settings. Educational programs and community talks further contribute to women’s health literacy. The Centre also maintains a lending library, resource database, and provides referral information to support wider community needs[1][2].

Accessibility and Locations

Originally located in Warilla, the Centre has expanded with a northern site at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus to improve accessibility for women living north of Wollongong. This expansion helps overcome geographical barriers and extends the Centre’s outreach across the region[1].

The physical premises are fully accessible to women with disabilities and provide a supportive environment for women from diverse backgrounds[2].

Special Initiatives

From 2022–23, the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre received funding to establish and operate a Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, focusing on trauma-informed care and recovery services for women affected by trauma. This initiative is planned to run for five years, enhancing the Centre’s capacity to deliver specialized support for trauma recovery in the community[5].

Community Engagement

Feedback from service users is actively sought and valued, helping to shape and improve the Centre’s programs and services. The organisation promotes an inclusive, women-only space that encourages safety, respect, and empowerment[1].

Summary

The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre plays a vital role in supporting women’s health in the Illawarra region through comprehensive, accessible, and tailored health services. Its commitment to a holistic women’s health model, community engagement, and specialized initiatives like the Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre positions it as a key resource for women’s wellbeing in New South Wales.

ABN: 57253131534RR0001
Note: Contact details and direct web addresses have been omitted in accordance with the task instructions.

[1] https://www.womenshealthcentre.com.au [2] https://whnsw.asn.au/faqconc/illawarra-womens-health-centre/ [3] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/warilla-2528-nsw/illawarra-women-s-health-centre/women-s-health-clinic/241552ee-986c-7cbf-1393-ebdaa0b680d4 [4] https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/womens-health-service [5] https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/establishment-of-a-womens-trauma-recovery-centre