Women across the Northern Rivers region are benefitting from enhanced health and wellbeing services, thanks to a more than $1.78 million additional investment over four years by the NSW Government.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin this week toured the Lismore Women's Health Centre – one of 20 Women's Health Centres across the state which have received increased funding.
For more than 25 years, the Lismore Women's Health Centre has been providing health and wellbeing assistance for women in Lismore and surrounding communities.
Services at Lismore are provided by women for women and include a nurse clinic, health education, counselling and well-being groups.
Lismore Women's Health Centre Program provided more than 1100 services to the 500 women who attended the centre for support last year.
Across the state, the NSW Government has allocated an additional $34.3 million to enhance funding to the state's 20 Women's Health Centres as part of the 2023-24 NSW Budget.
Minister Park also confirmed The Buttery would receive $819,100 in funding from the NSW Government over 3 years, to continue its important work in the region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“I'm so pleased to see firsthand the amazing work which is being done at the Lismore Women's Health Centre to support better health outcomes for women in northern NSW.
“Our investment means the Centre is able to increase staff numbers, reduce waitlists for counselling appointments, offer healthcare and counselling services to more women, and adapt services to emerging demographic trends and population growth."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
“For women and children affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, this service is crucial, allowing them to receive timely and vital support.
“The Centre provides a safe space for women who may fall through the cracks of the health system, especially in regional and remote areas."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
“I know how important this funding is as I have long been a champion of women and children's services in our region.
“Forty years ago I was one of a group of women who pushed for the establishment of the first Lismore Women's Health Centre and I chaired the wild five hour meeting that led to it being set up. These women were pioneers in health and could see what was needed.
“So I am delighted to have secured this boost to funding for the centre to continue to provide essential health services to women across the community and to know that many more women will benefit."
Quotes attributable to CEO of Northern Rivers Women's and Children Service Kelly Banister:
“We are delighted to receive this increased funding which enables us to support more women in our community with complex health issues, particularly those who are dealing with the trauma of gendered violence and devastation of recent natural disasters.
“We are grateful to Minister Park and the NSW Government for recognising the importance and effectiveness of the work we do in facilitating women's achievement of better health and wellbeing outcomes and committing these critically needed resources."
“Our Centre and team of highly skilled specialists provide a safe, confidential and unique service to women and their children in our region, and this funding ensures we can continue to make a positive difference to many more lives."