Aboriginal women across metropolitan Melbourne will soon have access to a new dedicated service providing free, comprehensive and culturally safe care - with the Allan Labor Government announcing a new Aboriginal women's health clinic.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing (FPHW) will deliver the new clinic from their Thomastown and Frankston locations from mid-2025.
The clinic will provide a range of services including screening, diagnosis, and management of women's health conditions, including pelvic pain, endometriosis, menopause, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), and termination of pregnancy.
In addition to offering the services at their clinics in the city's north and south east, FPHW will work closely with services across the state to provide care, referral pathways and education - ensuring location is no barrier to care.
Aboriginal Women's Health Clinic staff will play a key role in service navigation for patients, streamlining access to timely and culturally safe diagnostic and treatment services across the healthcare system.
The clinic will also help to address the ongoing health equity and outcomes by increasing patients understanding of their own bodies, fostering self-determination in health and wellbeing, and promoting women's health literacy.
The Aboriginal Women's Health Clinic is part of the Labor Government's landmark $153 million women's health package to bridge the existing gap in women's healthcare - including a new mobile women's health clinic, virtual women's health clinic, and 20 women's health clinics.
Victoria has a proud track record of working to improve women's health outcomes - from establishing Victoria's first clinic for women's heart health, rolling out 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs, and launching the state's first ever sexual and reproductive health phone line.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"We are transforming the way women's health is delivered to Aboriginal women across Victoria - this clinic is going to make a significant difference, breaking down barriers to access with free and culturally safe care."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"We know that it's important to provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal Victorians - this clinic will bridge existing gaps in healthcare for Aboriginal women and is another step on the road to improving healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians."
As stated by Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny
"With the new clinic in Thomastown, Aboriginal women in our community will soon be able to access the specialist care they want, closer to home - tailored to meet individual needs in a culturally safety way."
As stated by Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
"I am proud that this new service right on our doorstop will not only support Frankston locals, but Aboriginal women right across Victoria, who deserve the best healthcare, no matter where they live."
