Our History

Established in 1976, we are the largest and longest-serving provider of holistic women’s healthcare on the Central Coast. Our tailored programs focus on breaking cycles of violence, intergenerational trauma, and social disadvantage.

With an almost 50-year history grounded in feminist values, we may have grown considerably over the past five decades, but we haven’t lost our purpose of women helping women to create safe and healthy futures for all women on the Central Coast.

The Centre was born from the pioneering efforts of women in the early feminist movement who recognised the urgent need for a dedicated women’s health service. From its grassroots beginnings, the vision was clear: to create a safe, inclusive space where women’s health needs were the sole focus.

With determination and solidarity, these women established a service that provided a range of free health-based supports by women, for women — a place where care was tailored to women’s unique experiences and challenges.

At the time, women’s health, along with issues such as domestic, family, and sexual violence, was still considered taboo, often dismissed as “secret women’s business.” Despite widespread community opposition, these women stood firm. At times, they even risked their own safety and reputations to create a sanctuary of refuge, care, and connection for vulnerable women in the community.

Today, we continue to uphold these founding principles, ensuring that all women, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality, compassionate and equitable healthcare. Every day, our staff, board, and members honour the legacy of those courageous women, building on their achievements and staying anchored to our purpose: women empowering, helping, and supporting women.