The NSW Government has reached a major milestone in delivering on its commitment to boost funding for Women’s Health Centres across NSW to ensure they are properly resourced to provide essential health and wellbeing services.  

A funding increase of $34.3 million, announced in the 2023-24 State Budget has been allocated to 19 Women’s Health Centres, including Penrith Women’s Health Centre, in Penrith.  

During the state election the NSW Government committed to boosting funding for Women’s Health Centres to $100 million over five years to support the essential community-based healthcare and domestic violence support they provide to women and children.  

This investment ensures that over the next four years $81 million in funding is secured for these vital services.  

$1,239,000 has been allocated to Penrith Women’s Health Centre.  

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.  

Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM: 

“The Women’s Health Centre Program provides face-to-face support to an average of 50,000 women across NSW each year – and I’m so pleased more women in our Penrith community are set to benefit from this important Budget boost,” Ms McKeown said. 

“This $1,239,000.00 for Penrith by the NSW Government will mean Women in Penrith will have greater access to these vital services.”  

Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:  

“This is a vital investment to ensure women have access to key health services across our state.  

“We are proud to be making this announcement and to continue working to ease the pressure on our hospital system, as well as boost healthcare services available to women in New South Wales.”  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“With this more than $34 million investment we can ensure more women across NSW have access to this incredibly important service.”  

“We’re committed to improving access to healthcare services for women and this significant funding enhancement will help these centres continue to provide important health-related care and support services across NSW.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:  

“These centres are vital in providing a safe place for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks and are critical in removing barriers to health care by providing women the care they need in their own communities.”  

“Leichhardt Women’s Community Health centre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as the first centre of its kind in Australia, opening in 1974, it has supported thousands of women in need providing access to health care, educational resources, and counselling.”   

“The investment in this centre and others is part of the NSW Government’s ambition to better support women all over our state and spans a range of areas, from health and other services for women to workforce participation.” 

Quotes attributable to CEO Women’s Health NSW Denele Crozier: 

“The investment will see an immediate increase in essential health services for vulnerable and at risk women in need, provide sustainability to the sector and stability to the workforce.”  

“Women who come to our services need specialised care. The work we do and will continue to do will save lives.”