The Central Coast Women’s Health Centre (CCWHC) is set to receive a $3.48M slice of a $34.3M funding pie from the NSW Government.
The $34.4M, announced in the 2023-24 Stat Budget, has been allocated to 19 Women’s Health Centres to ensure they are properly resourced to provide essential health and wellbeing services.
Central Coast Women’s Health Centre CEO Theresa Mason said the region’s population has increased by 45 per cent since the centre was first established and funded.
“This increased funding means we can operate our services sustainably, restore and grow much needed counselling, restore groups and women’s health services across all three centres to reduce waiting lists and improve health outcomes for women and girls,” she said.
Women’s Health NSW CEO Denele Crozier said the statewide investment would see an immediate increase in essential health services for vulnerable and at risk women in need and provide sustainability to the sector and stability to the workforce.
“Women who come to our services need specialised care,” she said.
“The work we do will continue to save lives.”
The Women’s Health Centre program provides face-to-face support to an average of 50,000 women across NSW each year.
Women from low income and other priority backgrounds, including women who have experienced domestic violence, make up the majority of Women’s Health Centre clients.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said he was pleased that more women on the Central Coast were set to benefit.
“This $3.48M for Central Coast Women’s Health Centre will mean women in The Entrance electorate will have greater access to these vital services including increased counselling, extending centre service hours and the introduction of new case management services,” he said.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the centres are vital in providing a safe place for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
“They are critical in removing barriers to health care by providing women the care they need in their own communities,” she said.