The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for women and girls in Ararat to access the sexual and reproductive health care they need and deserve - helping to close a service gap in the Grampians.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett officially opened the Ararat Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, one of six new hubs recently established across Victoria - taking the total to 20 locations, including 12 in regional Victoria.
For many women, timely, affordable and safe sexual and reproductive healthcare can be difficult to access depending on where they live.
It's why the Labor Government is delivering more options for women in the Grampians to help with a range of health needs, including unplanned pregnancy.
According to data from Victoria's sexual and reproductive advice line, 1800 My Options, the Grampians has the highest levels of calls seeking advice or services for unplanned pregnancy outside of Melbourne.
Operated by East Grampians Health Service within the East Grampians Community Health Centre, the hub offers free or low-cost confidential care with no referral required - including for contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion, and the testing, diagnosis and treatment of STIs.
It will also help avoid long-term health issues through treatments such as physiotherapy and education for pelvic floor issues, reducing the likelihood of incontinence and the need for ongoing care and possible hospitalisation.
The network's workforce is also being supported through the Women's Health Scholarship Program - with four scholarships worth more than $35,000 awarded to staff at Ararat. The scholarships offer the chance to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, pelvic physio training, and PCOS as well as offering training to promote cultural safety.
A new hub is also now open in Horsham at the Alan Wolff Medical Centre - operated by Grampians Health, it is helping to close a critical gap in service needs in the state's west.
These initiatives are part of the Labor Government's $153 million women's health package that is also delivering 20 new comprehensive women's health clinics, mobile and virtual women's health clinics, a dedicated Aboriginal women's health clinic, and a doubling in the number of laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"These hubs in Ararat and Horsham are closing service gaps in regional Victoria - ensuring more women can access the care they need, close to home."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"Our sexual and reproductive health hubs offer a safe and supportive environment for women to get advice and care without fear or shame - whether that's on contraception, abortion or STI treatment and testing."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"The new Ararat hub will provide local women with safe, confidential and low-cost care - making a real difference for so many across our community."
