More women will be able to access Illawarra Women’s Health Centre safely and with dignity, thanks to more than $50,000 in funding to improve accessibility at its Warilla site.
Funding through the Shellharbour ClubGRANTS Scheme will support a major upgrade of the Centre’s bathroom facilities, creating a safer and more accessible space for women of all ages and abilities.
More than 3000 women access the Centre each year for support, including health care, counselling, case management and other services. Women come to the Centre from a wide range of circumstances, including those experiencing domestic and family violence, homelessness, financial hardship, disability, social isolation and mental health challenges.
The upgrade will particularly benefit women with disability or limited mobility, older women, carers with prams or mobility aids, and women living with chronic illness or recovering from injury or trauma.
Work will include accessible toilets and sinks, grab rails, widened doorways, non-slip flooring and accessible fixtures and fittings.
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Coordinator Bonnie Comber said the funding would make an important difference to women using the Centre.
“Everyone who comes through our doors should be able to access our services safely, comfortably and with dignity,” Ms Comber said.
“Our existing bathroom facilities have served us since the Centre opened 40 years ago, but they no longer meet the needs of all the women who access our services.
“This upgrade will help us create a more inclusive Centre for women of all ages and abilities.”
Shellharbour Club CEO Jason Petrolo said the project showed how ClubGRANTS funding could make a practical difference in the community.
“We’re not simply funding a bathroom renovation; we’re helping remove a barrier for women accessing vital services,” Mr Petrolo said.
“For women accessing the Centre, having a safe and accessible bathroom is fundamental. It’s part of being able to access services with dignity and confidence.”
Construction is expected to begin in September.