The Andrews Labor Government has announced a new community-based sexual and reproductive health centre that will be based in Bendigo.
To mark Women’s Health Week, Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced the family planning centre will be located at Bendigo Community Health Service to deliver timely, affordable, locally-based sexual and reproductive health advice to all local women.
A second centre will be based at co-health in Melbourne’s west, while a further six centres will be established over the next three years – half of which will be located in regional Victoria.
In addition, Victorian women – no matter where they live – will be able to access expert, evidence-based advice with Women’s Health Victoria chosen to establish and operate Victoria’s first pregnancy support help line.
The announcements follow the Labor Government’s launch of Victoria’s first-ever Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan earlier this year, supported by $6.6 million in new funding.
The strategy includes:
- Developing a new app to support the work of the Centre of Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Providing free facial hair laser treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Delivering family planning training for doctors and nurses, particularly in regional Victoria
- Supporting the continued rollout of endometriosis resources
- Working with Aboriginal women and women with disabilities to improve sexual and reproductive health.
The Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week, running from 4-8 September, is an opportunity for all women to reflect on health issues that matter most to them and to support women’s health.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“For too long women’s sexual and reproductive health issues have been neglected. That’s why these new centres and hot line will make a real difference.”
“Women in Bendigo and right across the state will be able to get the timely expert advice they need, without the stigma.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“For Women’s Health Week, I am encouraging all women in Bendigo to treat their sexual and reproductive health as a top priority.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“We are putting people in regional Victoria first. It is vital that women in Bendigo and the region can access the services they need and deserve to improve their sexual and reproductive health, closer to home.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020