The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) is encouraging women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 to take advantage of its free community cervical screening clinics, helping to improve participation in one of Australia’s most effective cancer prevention programs.

More than 300 women and people with a cervix in NSW are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects younger women and in most cases occurs in people who have never screened or who are overdue for a screening test.

CCCWHC Head of Women’s Health, Sophia Shippam, says increasing awareness and ensuring women have access to accurate information and supportive healthcare services is critical.

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet we continue to see women diagnosed because they have never participated in screening or have delayed their test,” says Sophia.

“The good news is that the Cervical Screening Test is more effective than the old Pap test and only needs to be completed every five years. By attending regular screening, women can identify potential issues early, often before cancer develops.”

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that affects around 4 in 5 Australians at some point in their lives. While HPV often clears naturally, some types can cause changes to cervical cells that may develop into cancer if left undetected.

“Cervical Screening looks for HPV before it has the opportunity to cause serious harm,” says Sophia.

“Many people are surprised to learn that HPV is extremely common. Screening is not about judgement or risk factors; it’s about protecting your health and ensuring any changes are identified early.”

CCCWHC is also encouraging women to learn about self-collection, a screening option now available through healthcare providers.

“Self-collection has been a game changer for many women who may have delayed screening due to discomfort, embarrassment, cultural reasons, previous trauma, or simply because life gets busy,” adds Sophia

“The test is completed privately at one of our centre’s (or at your regular GP or medical centre), using a simple swab inserted a few centimetres into the vagina. It is just as accurate as a clinician-collected test and gives women greater choice and control over their healthcare.”

CCCWHC is encouraging anyone who is due or overdue for screening to book into one of their free community cervical screening clinics at Woy Woy, Wyoming or Wyong. All screenings are conducted together with a trauma-informed Women’s Health Nurse.

Woy Woy:
Peninsula Women’s Health Centre, 20 McMasters Rd Woy Woy

First Monday of each month. Next clinic: Monday 6 July.

Wyong:
38a Pacific Hwy, Wyong 2259
*Please note this clinic is not our Northern’s Women’s Health Centre
Third Monday of each month. Next clinic: Monday 20 July.

Wyoming:

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, 37 Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming.
By appointment.

Book your appointment today: ccwh.org.au/womens-health-clinic

For 50 years, the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) has stood beside women in our community, providing support, care and advocacy across generations.

Since opening its doors in 1976, CCCWHC has grown to become the region’s largest women-focused charity and the longest-serving provider of physical and mental healthcare services for women on the Central Coast.

To mark this significant milestone, CCCWHC is seeking support through tickets, tables and sponsors for its 50 Year Gala Celebration, to be held on 24 July 2026 at Voco Hotel, Gosford.

CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says the event is an opportunity to reflect on the Centre’s legacy while looking ahead to the next chapter.

"For five decades, women have trusted our organisation to walk alongside them through some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives," says Sara.

"Every story, every service and every step forward has been built alongside our community. This milestone belongs not only to our organisation, but to the thousands of women, families, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners who have helped shape our journey."

"The 50 Year Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the impact we've made together, while also investing in the future. Women's health services remainas important as ever, and we want to ensure we can continue supporting women across our region for the next 50 years and beyond."

CCCWHC is inviting community-minded organisations to partner with this Gala celebration.

With the end of the financial year approaching, sponsorship presents an opportunity for businesses and organisations to align with one of the Central Coast’s most trusted community organisations while accessing a tax-deductible sponsorship opportunity that directly supports vital services for women in the region.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community and encourage organisations that share our commitment to women's health, wellbeing and safety to join us in celebrating this milestone year," adds Sara.

Tickets and tables can be purchased at: givenow.com.au/event/354

Organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities can get in touch at hello@ccwh.org.au

Join CCCWHC in celebrating 50 years of standing beside women — and help create safe and healthy futures for women in our community for the next 50 years and beyond. 

• Headline entertainment performed by award winning singer and entertainer, Kasey Chambers.
• Keynote speaker, journalist, author and advocate, Jess Hill.
• Media personality and MC, Maz Compton, to lead a night of reflection, celebration and connection.
• Guests will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, a delicious three-course meal, and entertainment throughout the evening.

The event will also recognise the remarkable contributions of local women through the Women Supporting Women Awards, while bringing together more than 200 supporters, partners, community leaders and advocates for an evening celebrating the Centre’s impact, the strength of community connections, and the future of women’s health on the Central Coast.

Event details:

Friday 24 July, 6pm-late
Altitude Ballroom, Voco Hotel, Gosford