Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre Celebrates Extraordinary Legacy with 50 Year Gala

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.

Learn more: ccwh.org.au