Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC)’s CEO, Sara Foster, is proud to have been named as Westfield Tuggerah’s Local Hero.

Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition program across Australia and New Zealand that shines a spotlight on individuals who are making a positive impact to their local community.

As the winner of this prestigious award, CCCWHC will receive $20,000 in prize money to go toward urgent childcare facility upgrades.

Sara says the award belongs to the incredible team of women at CCCWHC who support women in our community every day.

“I feel really honoured to receive this award,” says Sara.

“It belongs equally to the incredible team of women I’m privileged to work alongside every day.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and to our wonderful community for your support — I’m so grateful to be part of it.”

CCCWHC is the largest women-focused charity and longest-serving provider of physical and mental healthcare services for women on the Central Coast. Its tailored programs focus on breaking cycles of violence, intergenerational trauma, and social disadvantage.

Over the past 12 months, its seen more than a 65% increase in the number of women and children supported, speaking to the growing need for these services across the region.

Sara has also congratulated the other finalists on the amazing work they do.

“As a finalist alongside Chris Dryden from Wyong Neighbourhood Centre’s Pheonix Youth Support Service and Matthew Collins from Gig Buddies, I am both inspired and humbled by the incredible work they do in our community,” adds Sara.

“The Central Coast is an extraordinary place, with so many amazing humans working to improve the lives of others.”

Read more about Westfield Tuggerah’s Local Heroes or find out more about Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre.

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC)’s northern centre, affectionately known as Rose Cottage, is celebrating 30 years of support and advocacy for women on the Central Coast this month.  

In an event held on 14 October 2025 to mark the 30-year anniversary, dignitaries, donors, councillors, volunteers, staff and long-time supporters of the centre have come together to celebrate its achievements and share stories and memories about the impact Rose Cottage has had for women across the Coast.

CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says Rose Cottage has been a place of hope and healing for thousands of women over the past three decades.

“Our northern Women’s Health Centre, Rose Cottage, has operated from 7 Rose Street, Wyong, for the past 30 years, providing support and care to around 30,000 women during this time,’’ says Sara.

“The centre has provided physical and mental health support services to women who would otherwise not be able to access these services, offered a safe haven and connection to supports for women experiencing domestic and family violence, and has been a place for women experiencing isolation and loneliness to find friendship, kinship and community.”

Originally located on Margaret Street, Wyong, for four years before moving to Rose Street, the official opening of Rose Cottage took place on 11 October 1995.

In its early history, Rose Cottage faced significant challenges, including having to close for six months due to a change in government that resulted in a loss of funding.

Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, the centre continued to offer services to women in the local community until further funding was secured for its ongoing operation.

“The centre was kept alive by community members and volunteers, who ran services free of charge to support women in the northern part of the Coast. Despite the many obstacles the centre has faced, Rose Cottage has endured and flourished, becoming a cherished part of the social fabric of the Central Coast,” adds Sara.

“The spirit and success of our northern Women’s Health Centre is a testament to the many extraordinary women who have contributed to improving the lives of other women and their children for the past three decades.

“We are seeking to build on this incredible legacy of strength and support to continue walking alongside and advocating for women on the Coast for many years to come.”

The northern Women’s Health Centre (Rose Cottage) offers counselling, domestic, family and sexual violence case management, therapeutic and social groups, and will commence the Rose Cottage supported playgroup on 16 October 2025. Childcare is available for women accessing select groups and appointments at the centre.

Watch our video of the 30 year celebrations at Rose Cottage