In 2025/26, CCCWHC supported 6,023 women and their children on 14,274 occasions through its physical, mental and psychosocial women’s healthcare services.
Over the past two years, the number of women and their children supported by the Centre has increased by 106%. A powerful demonstration of what targeted investment in community-based women’s health can achieve.
But demand is growing faster than capacity, with 1,605 additional women unable to access CCCWHC services over the past 12 months.
CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says the NSW Government’s enhanced investment has made a significant difference and demonstrated the value of investing in women’s health close to home.
“We are incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s investment in women’s health and the confidence it demonstrates in the value of community-based care,” says Sara.
“The results are clear. In just two years, we have increased the number of women and their children we support by 106%. We are reaching more women, providing care earlier and helping women access the right support before their health needs escalate.
“But we also know there is more to do. The fact that we had to turn away an additional 1,605 women last year tells us that demand is growing and we need to keep pace.
“Investment works. It improves outcomes for women, strengthens families and takes pressure off the broader healthcare system.”
By providing prevention, early intervention and accessible specialist care in the community, CCCWHC helps women address health concerns before they become more complex and costly.
Over its 50-year history, CCCWHC has supported more than 100,000 women, with services provided representing an estimated $50 million in savings for the public healthcare system.
CCCWHC is one of 20 Women’s Health Centres across NSW, which collectively supported 223,479 women over the past 12 months, an increase of 10.2% on the previous year.
The network represents an estimated saving of more than $150 million to the NSW Health system in the past year, while CCCWHC estimates its services have reduced the economic burden on the Central Coast healthcare system by more than $3.2 million during the same period.
Sara says continued government investment will be critical to ensure community-based services can keep pace with demand.
“The NSW Government’s enhanced funding has demonstrated the impact that strategic investment can have. The next step is ensuring that investment keeps pace with community demand,” adds Sara.
“Our message this Women’s Health Week is simple: let’s build on what is working. Continued investment will allow us to reach more women, prevent ill-health and reduce pressure on our hospitals. We look forward to continuing this important partnership with the NSW Government as we work towards a healthier future for women on the Central Coast.”
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, The Hon. David Harris MP says:
"During Women’s Health Week, we proudly celebrate the invaluable work of Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre. For years, they have been a steadfast pillar of support, providing accessible, compassionate care and empowering women across the region to take charge of their health and well-being.
“Their dedication creates a lasting, positive ripple effect throughout the entire community, and we are deeply grateful for the profound difference they make every single day."
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP says:
“Congratulations to the team at CCCWHC on another year of incredible impact for women across the Central Coast.
This is proof that when we invest in community-based women’s health services, we see real outcomes that benefit the women of the Central Coast.
With this important funding boost from the NSW Government, CCCWHC are able to ensure they remain sustainable into the future, reduce waitlists, and serve more women in our community.”
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan MP says:
“The NSW Government’s investment into women’s health centres across NSW has seen a real impact in the support provided to women on the Central Coast.
“Support provided by the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) to women and children on the Central Coast has increased by 106%, highlighting that real investment achieves real results.
“CCCWHC is an important service provider to women and children on the Central Coast and I’m proud to be part of a Minns Labor Government investing in vital health and wellbeing services across our region.”
– ENDS –
Artists from across the Central Coast are invited to submit their ideas for painting, drawing, sculpture and artwork in any medium that explore what the future of women’s health could look like in our region.
The exhibition will form part of CCCWHC’s year-long celebration of five decades of women supporting women and will invite the community to reflect on the Centre’s history while imagining what is possible for the next 50 years.
CCCWHC Head of Communications & Partnerships, Alison McLeod, says the exhibition is an opportunity to bring the community’s creativity and vision into the Centre’s 50-year story.
“For 50 years, CCCWHC has shaped, supported and championed women’s health. This exhibition gives us an opportunity to celebrate this remarkable legacy while asking a really important question: what do we want the future of women’s health to look like?” says Alison.
“We want to see the imagination, creativity and diversity of our local arts community reflected in that future. Whether you are an established artist, an emerging creative or a student with a powerful idea you want to bring to life, we encourage you to put forward your vision.
“This is more than an art exhibition. It is an invitation to be part of the next chapter of women’s health on the Central Coast.”
Artists are asked to submit their artwork or concept idea for selection by 5pm Friday 25 September 2026 via our Artist Submission Form. Successful applicants will be notified the following week, with final artworks to be submitted by Friday 9 October 2026.
The exhibition, A History of Care: A Future of Impact, will be featured at Gosford Regional Library, Donnison Street, Gosford, from 19 October to 22 November 2026.
Visitors will be taken on a journey through CCCWHC’s five decades of history, featuring a timeline of the Centre’s work, historic photographs and artefacts, interviews with women who have been involved with the Centre over the past 50 years, and the selected artworks exploring the future of women’s health.
The exhibition will celebrate the women, community members, health professionals, volunteers, supporters and advocates who have helped build the Centre’s legacy of care, while creating space for the community to imagine a future where every woman has access to the health, safety, support and opportunities she deserves.
Local artists are encouraged to get involved and help CCCWHC bring its vision for the next 50 years to life.
Artist submissions close: 5pm, Friday 25 September 2026
Final artworks due: 5pm, Friday 9 October 2026
Exhibition: 19 October – 22 November 2026
Venue: Gosford Regional Library, Donnison Street, Gosford
21 August 2026 – With perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) impacting an estimated 1,751** parents in the Central Coast of New South Wales each year, a local service officially opens to support families from pre-conception through to early infancy. Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre offers free* GP-referred, psychological therapy sessions to parents.
Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre is one of 21 Gidget Houses located in regional NSW, building on Gidget Foundation Australia’s commitment to expanding its services to support parents by providing timely and accessible care.
Offering a blend of face-to-face and telehealth psychological support, the service officially opens as data reveals more than a quarter (28.4%) of parents in regional NSW have struggled with perinatal mental health symptoms but did not seek support.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP, will officially open Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre on Friday, 21 August, welcoming the arrival of the first Gidget House location on the Central Coast.
Liesl Tesch MP says, “Too many families experience perinatal anxiety, depression and emotional distress, often without access to the specialised care they need close to home. The opening of Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre is a significant step forward in ensuring local families can access free*, compassionate and evidence-based perinatal mental health support when they need it most.
“Supporting the wellbeing of parents is an investment in the wellbeing of children, families and our entire community. I am proud to welcome Gidget House to the Central Coast and congratulate everyone involved in making this important service a reality.”
With approximately 100,000 parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) annually in Australia, one in five mothers and one in ten fathers are impacted, underscoring the need for increased access to specialised perinatal mental health services across the country.
Now in its 25th year, Gidget Foundation Australia has supported more than 18,000 families through the delivery of over 138,000 free* appointments across 48 Gidget House locations nationally.
CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, Arabella Gibson, says the official opening of Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre is another step forward in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting parents in regional areas.
“Gidget House Wyoming at Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre marks the fifth regional location we’ve opened across Australia this year.
“For parents living in regional areas, distance can be a barrier to accessing perinatal mental health support. By establishing our first Gidget House on the Central Coast, we're supporting the mental health of families in the area from pre-conception through to early infancy with accessible, timely and specialised care.”
Building upon Gidget Foundation Australia’s long history of collaboration and partnership, Gidget House Wyoming operates within Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, which has been providing vital physical and mental healthcare support to women and children since 1976.
Sara Foster, CEO of Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, says that its collaboration with Gidget Foundation Australia is crucial for supporting parents in the local area.
“The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre is the region's largest and longest-serving provider of holistic, trauma-informed women's healthcare. With more than 6,000 women accessing our services over the past year, our Centre is uniquely positioned to identify and respond to the health and wellbeing needs of women across our region. Through partnerships with organisations such as Gidget Foundation Australia, we can extend this support into areas of specialised care, including perinatal mental health.
“These partnerships are critical in ensuring women experiencing challenges during pregnancy or the post-partum period including the impacts of trauma, anxiety, depression or domestic and family violence, are not left to navigate these challenges alone. We’re so pleased to partner with Gidget Foundation Australia to extend the services we provide to women in perinatal care.”
Gidget Foundation Australia and its partners acknowledge the significant challenges faced by families, from pre-conception to early infancy and are committed to ensuring families receive accessible, timely and specialised perinatal mental health care when they need it most.
For more information about Gidget Foundation Australia, Gidget House and the services the organisation provides, visit gidgetfoundation.org.au.
* The cost of services provided through Gidget House are funded through Medicare bulk billing. There are no out of pocket costs for up to 10 individual psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. A referral from a GP and a mental health treatment plan are required.
** Based on 3,525 births pa in Central Coast NSW (ABS, Births Australia 2024)
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in joining our Board.
We currently have a number of positions available on our Board and welcome applications from people with a wide range of professional backgrounds.
We are looking for women with experience in a range of areas including:
1. People & Culture
2. Strategic growth, partnerships & philanthropy
3. Cybersecurity and digital transformation
4. Accounting, finance, or audit
Previous experience serving on a Board, particularly as a Non-Executive Director or Board Chair, will be highly regarded.
However, if you bring different expertise and share our commitment to advancing gender equity and improving the wellbeing outcomes for women & children on the Coast, we encourage you to apply. Diversity of skills and perspectives is vital to the strength and success of our Board.
In the Board Information Pack, you will find the Position Description, a link to our 2027 Strategic Plan, and our Code of Conduct to help you understand the role and our organisational priorities.
To apply for nomination as a Director, candidates must submit:
1. A Cover Letter explaining how your skills align with and support the delivery of CCCWHC’s Strategic Plan and mission.
2. Statement of Relevant Skills and Experience or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Signed Eligibility Declaration confirming compliance with ACNC and ASIC disqualification criteria.
4. Signed Declaration confirming:
• You hold (or will obtain prior to appointment) a current Working with Children Check.
• You have no criminal record that would make you ineligible to serve as a Director.
Applications close on Sunday 20 September at 5pm, and can be sent to board@ccwh.org.au
Board Recruitment Information Pack
2026 Honorary Life Membership Nominations Now Open!
The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) has a new process for nominating Honorary Life Members to our organisation.
Honorary Life Membership is the highest honour CCCWHC can bestow. It recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to our organisation’s mission of creating safe and healthy futures for women on the Central Coast.
This recognition may be awarded for either:
All nominations must be submitted using the form below and be endorsed by two (2) nominators who are current CCCWHC members.
Assessment and Approval Process
Timing
Nominations open three (3) months prior to the CCCWHC Annual General Meeting (AGM) and close on Friday 16 October, to allow time for consideration at the last Ordinary Board Meeting before the AGM.
Recognition and Announcement
2026 Honorary Life Memberships will be announced at CCCWHC’s AGM on Thursday 5 November 2026.
Each awarded Honorary Life Member will receive the following:
For questions regarding Honorary Life Membership please contact board@ccwh.org.au
The Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre (CCCWHC) marked an exceptional milestone on Friday 24 July, celebrating 50 years of caring for, advocating for and empowering women across the region with a sold-out Gala Event at Voco Hotel, Gosford.
The unforgettable evening brought together 270 guests, including MP’s, dignitaries, community members, past and present staff, supporters, partners, volunteers and women whose lives have been woven into the Centre's story since its founding in 1976. Women from every generation of the organisation came together to honour a legacy that has supported more than 100,000 women over the past five decades.
Held under the theme A Legacy of Care. A Future of Impact, the Gala celebrated the remarkable journey of a grassroots organisation established by a group of local women who simply wanted to create a safe place where women could access healthcare, information, support and community. Fifty years later, that vision has grown into the Central Coast's largest women-focused charity and longest-serving provider of specialist physical and mental healthcare for women in the region.
Guests enjoyed an inspiring evening featuring keynote speaker, journalist, author and advocate Jess Hill, Master of Ceremonies Maz Compton, and a memorable headline performance by Australia's award-winning country music icon Kasey Chambers.
The event also included an official introduction from The Hon Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, entertainment from Daniela Vassallo and Abigail Butler and dancefloor tunes from DJ Nce Grl.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural 50 Year Women Supporting Women Awards, recognising eight outstanding local women whose leadership, compassion and dedication have significantly improved the health, wellbeing and lives of women across the Central Coast over the past five decades.
CCCWHC Board Chair Janet Attwood says the Gala was a celebration of the thousands of women who have shaped the organisation's history and ensured generations of women have had somewhere safe to turn.
"For fifty years, women on the Central Coast have stood beside one another with extraordinary courage, compassion and determination. Tonight was a celebration of every woman who has contributed to that legacy including our founders, staff, volunteers, partners, supporters and the women who have trusted us during some of the most challenging moments of their lives," says Janet.
"The strength of our Centre has always come from our community. As we honour our past, we also look forward with confidence, knowing there is still important work ahead to ensure every woman has access to safe, equitable and compassionate healthcare."
CCCWHC CEO Sara Foster says the evening reflected both the Centre's proud history and its unwavering commitment to the future.
"For half a century, we've stood beside women through life's most difficult moments, providing safe spaces, expert trauma-informed care and a community where women know they belong,” says Sara.
"While tonight celebrated everything we've achieved together, it was also a call to action. Our vision for the future is to amplify the voices of women and children at risk, advocate for greater safety and equality, and expand access to the mental and physical health services our community continues to need.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen a 65% increase in demand for our service and the next fifty years are about building on this extraordinary legacy to create even greater impact and meet the growing needs of our community."
The Centre acknowledged the generous support of its sponsors, the University of Newcastle and This Space Creative, whose partnerships helped make the milestone celebration possible.
The organisation also thanked Best Signs, Tristan Forbes Technical Services, Shooting Stars Photobooth, Tom Hackett Videography, DJ Nce Grl, Sportscoast Trophies and Kasey Chambers for their valued support of the event.
As the Centre enters its next chapter, the Gala serves as a powerful reminder that when women support women, communities thrive. What began as a small group of determined local women has become a lasting legacy of care, advocacy and empowerment that continues to change lives across the Central Coast.
To relive the highlights from the evening, view the full event photo gallery on our Facebook page by clicking here.
For all Shooting Stars Photobooth images, click here.
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.
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
The Hon Emma Mcbride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health has officially launched the expansion of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (EPPC) services at the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC).
Part of a $19.6 million-dollar Australian Government commitment announced late last year, the funding will enable CCCWHC to build on its existing capacity to support women in the community who otherwise could not afford to access specialised support for endometriosis, pelvic pain management, perimenopause and menopause.
One of 11 clinics around Australia selected to receive the expansion funding administered through the Primary Health Network (PHN), this targeted investment in improving women’s health outcomes is specifically designed to expand access to care for women who are marginalised, underserved, or face barriers to mainstream healthcare.
This investment builds on the strong foundation of care provided by CCCWHC and enables the provision of more responsive, multidisciplinary, women-centred health services for women on the Coast who experience disadvantage or barriers to care.
The EPPC Expansion funding enables:
CCCWHC will receive $770,000 in funding over three years for expansion of its Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (EPPC) services, with the delivery of expansion services officially commencing in April 2026.
CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says:
“As the largest and longest-serving women’s health charity on the Central Coast, CCCWHC has witnessed an increasing number of women presenting with endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopause and perimenopause symptoms.
“Our Women’s Health Clinic prioritises access for women from marginalised backgrounds, including First Nations women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQ+ people, and women experiencing financial hardship.
“These women commonly face increased barriers to specialist and other healthcare services, and this funding prioritises their access to this specialised care to improve health outcomes for women in these communities.”
For more information on CCCWHC's Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program, click here.
This International Women’s Day (IWD) marked a very special milestone for Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC), as it celebrated 50 years of caring for women on the Coast.
To honour the occasion, CCCWHC partnered with The Ary Toukley and Star 104.5FM, for an event filled with connection, inspiration and celebration, as it continues to advocate for safe and healthy futures for women across our region.
CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says this IWD has given us the chance to reflect on the achievements of the past five decades, but also raises awareness about the inequities that remain.
“Over five decades, our Centre has supported 100,000 women and girls. We have walked alongside these women while they navigate violence, reproductive healthcare inequities, mental health strain, caring overload, housing insecurity and financial hardship,” says Sara.
“There have been some incredible achievements during this time. But fifty years later, the work is not finished. There are currently 183,000 women living on the Central Coast and 1 in 3 of these women will experience violence or significant disadvantage.
“We thank the Central Coast community for coming together this IWD to support our work, because when women struggle, the ripple is felt everywhere, by everyone.”
Marketing Manager for The Ary Toukley, Debbie Dickson, says the celebration drew people from all parts of the community to champion women’s health and wellbeing across our region and beyond.
“The IWD event attracted 115 guests from across the Coast including MP’s, Councillors, business owners, school representatives and community members,” says Debbie.
“Guests came together to support the work of CCCWHC, enjoy live music, a delicious 3-course meal, and hear from inspiring guest speakers including a keynote presentation by leading women’s legal advocate, Hayley Dean. Hayley spoke about why this year’s IWD theme of ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’ is so important to balance the scales for women everywhere.”
CCCWHC and The Ary Toukley thank event sponsors including Star 104.5FM, The Event Hub Australia, East Coast Beverages and Lindt Chocolates for their generous donations to this special event.
To find out how you can support women on the Coast go to ccwh.org.au
Ph: 02 4324 2533
Women’s Health Clinic
clinic@ccwh.org.au
Counselling and Casework Support
intake@ccwh.org.au
Groups
groups@ccwh.org.au
Childcare
childcare@ccwh.org.au
General Enquiries
hello@ccwh.org.au
Complaints and Feedback
feedback@ccwh.org.au
Mail: PO Box 2010 Gosford NSW 2250
