THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP
ASSISTANT TREASURER
MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM
THE HON EMMA MCBRIDE MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH
THE HON JUSTINE ELLIOT MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM
Today, funding for Australia’s first Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre was secured. This is an important milestone in the Albanese Government’s plans to improve support for women and children affected by violence.
The Albanese Government is providing $25 million over five years to the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre to establish the new centre, with services expected to commence in late 2023.
Led by the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, the centre will provide professional medical, mental health, social and legal support with programs co-designed by women with lived experience.
The establishment of the country’s flagship Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will put the Illawarra in the forefront of strategies aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.
The centre is one of many measures supporting the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Quotes attributable to Stephen Jones MP:
“After many years of intense advocacy, it is great to see the funding agreement finalised for Australia’s first Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre,”
“The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has done incredible work in this space. I look forward to working with the team to see new services for the region.”
Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes MP:
“The Illawarra Women’s Health Service has a long and well-regarded reputation for providing specialised and multidisciplinary care for women."
"I congratulate them on their community advocacy which has secured the future of these vital services.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“Escaping violence is only possible if women and their children have safe spaces to go to and ongoing support to get back on their feet.
“This Australian-first, community-led recovery centre will bring better, long-term help to women and children in the Illawarra region, in a way that is tailored to meet local needs.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Elliot:
“I was fortunate to recently visit the team at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, and witness the incredible work they do to support victim-survivors in the region.
“We know that both recovery and healing are critical to breaking the cycle of violence, and to reducing the risk of re-traumatisation – and that is why this landmark recovery centre is so vital.”
