Cumberland Women's Health Centre Inc

Cumberland Women's Health Centre opened in May 1990 as a community based, not for profit organisation that was committed to providing women's health services "by and for women". A group of local women had been working in the Parramatta area since 1988 to establish the centre after being inspired by the creation of other community based women's health services in Western Sydney.

The philosophy of the centre is strongly informed by feminism and the women's health movement which promotes the values of equality, social justice and self determination. To this end, the centre, like all community based women's health centres works to create social justice by providing services to women, community development and advocacy.

In 1990, the centre initially received funding through the Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme (WSAAS) and a Women's Health Development Worker was employed. Soon afterwards, the centre also received funding from WSAAS for a Domestic Violence Worker. The centre has now expanded and has the equivalent of 4.5 full time workers and is funded mostly by the NSW Department of Health.

We have a particular emphasis on challenging violence against women and approximately 60-70% of our work involves providing support and advocacy to women who have experienced violence. We also have an Aboriginal Women's Health worker, complementary health practitioners such as a naturopath and massage practitioner, and workers who provide counselling and groups.

The centre is run by a management committee that is made up of women who live or work in the local region. The management committee meets every month. Day to day running of the centre is carried out by the workers. Since the early days the centre has been part of the NSW network of feminist women's health centres (known as Women's Health NSW). This allows us to work with our sister services across the state.

If you want more information on our service or on women's health centres generally contact us.