A 'Herstory' of the Peninsula Women's Health Centre
In June 1993, a group of women came together to discuss the possible formation of a Women’s Health Centre to serve the Peninsula area. A temporary steering committee was formed, and at the first meeting a survey of needs was designed and circulated, in order to gauge community interest.
In February 1994, an information morning was conducted for women who expressed their willingness to volunteer and help if a new Women’s Health Centre was formed. Orientation and volunteer training courses were commenced in June, and the steering committee commenced negotiating with Gosford Council and the Central Coast Area Health Service, for a permanent site for the centre. By mid 1995, the Peninsula Women’s Health Centre was operating as a drop-in centre, working from the Community Centre at Woy Woy.
Despite numerous setbacks and delays, we eventually obtained a house provided by Gosford City Council, which was moved onto land at 20A McMasters Road, Woy Woy and in July 1997, we moved into our relocated, renovated cottage.
A fourteen-member committee was elected to oversee the running of the Centre. A well-timed and welcome influx of sixteen newly trained volunteers expanded the number of volunteers to twenty-six.
Furnishing and setting up the cottage became the primary focus of the first six months. Telephones, chairs, vertical blinds and fencing between the next door property. Screenings, for privacy, were obtained from money remaining from Council’s establishment grant.
Community responses to a request for the donation of items to furnish the cottage resulted in a typewriter, fax machine, fridge, tables, lounges to name a few.
We also held a garage sale of unwanted items. Ceiling fans and an answering machine were installed, and a sign for the front of the building erected. A large wall pamphlet stand was built and installed.
Umina Retravision donated a new oil heater. Council provided screening trees and erected Peninsula Women’s Health Centre signs at either end of McMasters Road.
Financial contributions were received from Community Chest, Zonta (International) local women’s group and Ettalong/Umina lion’s Club.
In September, we applied successfully for a Hall Upgrading Grant to fence the entire premises. We hope to see this completed by the end of the year.
Volunteer meetings were held weekly because of the enormous volume of work to be done. The setting up of day to day activities and services as quickly as possible was the other major priority. It was decided to open the Centre three days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm, and rosters were drawn up.
A three-month promotion campaign strategy was developed and implemented for the period from November 1997 to January 1998.
Letters of introduction and PWHC fliers were sent to local agencies, 2 000 letterbox drops were completed, media promotions organised and an information day was held at Deepwater Plaza on the January 30.
Councillor Lynne Bockholt officially opened the Centre on May 1, 1998. Gosford Mayor Chris Holstein planted a commemorative tree and Claire Hayes entertained the crowd. Over 70 people attended the opening of the Centre despite; yes you guessed it, the rain.
The programming committee did a tremendous job of programming and promoting groups over the six months from December to June. 189 women attended the following one-off talks and groups – Meditation, Herbal Remedies, Menopause, Osteoporosis, Let’s look at anxiety, Aromatherapy, Celebration of Life (Senior’s Week), Iridology, and Women’s Survival Course.
Astrid Nichols from Area Health Women’s Health Unit commenced monthly nurses’ clinics at the Centre in October.
Due to demand, Raimunda Elhage extended her massage clinic at the PWHC to two days per month. Marina George, alternative therapist, has volunteered her time to run monthly meditation and Reiki sessions.
The volunteers have participated in training on post-natal depression and domestic violence training, in conjunction with Court Support volunteers. Jannette Walsh from Centrecare facilitated the training. Two volunteers completed a two-day domestic violence and two-day child sexual assault course and will be providing in-service training for other volunteers.
The promotion of the Centre is continuing. Another information day was held at Deepwater Plaza in May this year. Schools were approached to include PWHC information in school newsletters, which met a favourable response.
In the first six months of this year, volunteers have had face to face contact with 47 women, and phone contact with 162 women providing services such as active listening, resourcing, information on groups, clinic and counselling referrals.
Despite the demanding pace, volunteer social events were included in the yearly calendar. Two picnic mornings, a health workshop, Christmas party and lunch get-togethers have allowed volunteers to savour their achievements, relax and enjoy each other’s company.
It has been a satisfying and rewarding year thanks to the superb effort and enthusiasm of all the women dedicated to getting the PWHC up and running. We look forward to continuing and expanding our work in the local community.
For more information on volunteering or services provided by the PWHC, telephone 43 425905.