Our History
Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre was the first women’s health centre in Australia, opening on International Women’s Day 1974. Its creation was driven by the pioneering efforts of women in Sydney's early feminist movement, who recognised the urgent need for dedicated women’s health and abortion services. The centre was launched on International Women’s Day with an initial grant of $33,000 from the Australian Government’s program for community-based health services, following grassroots lobbying by members of the Sydney Women’s Liberation Movement and the organisation Control – the Sydney Women’s Liberation Abortion Referral Service …
From its inception, the centre provided a range of free medical and para-medical services tailored to the needs of women. The aim was to create a health service staffed by women and focused solely on women’s health needs. The holistic, multidisciplinary approach championed by the founders has become a widely accepted model for delivering health care to vulnerable populations.
Throughout its history, Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre has continually adapted to meet changing needs and external challenges. In the early 2010s, when many women's organisations lost government funding, the community's concern for the centre's continuity underscored its vital role in their lives. The centre's funding was maintained, highlighting its importance and the personal impact it has had on many women.
Over the years, the centre has expanded its services and adapted to advancements in medical science and technology. Today, it operates five clinic sites, a state-wide specialist counselling service, and provides health education across eight local government areas. The centre's health professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, acupuncturist, naturopath, counsellors, and more, offer comprehensive care to women, many of whom are on low incomes and have complex health needs.
Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre focuses on providing a safe environment, with all staff trained in trauma-informed care to support women recovering from domestic violence and childhood abuse.
Today, Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre is still run by women for women. It works closely with local hospitals, health professionals, and community agencies, focusing on women experiencing disadvantage and those recovering from trauma. The centre now receives funding from NSW Health via Sydney Local Health District and relies on donations and fees to provide its extensive range of services. The centre’s legacy and continued dedication to women’s health make it a key part of the community, empowering women to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
The centre continues to uphold its founding principles, ensuring that all women, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality health care.
‘The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.’
Gloria Steinem, Feminist Writer & Activist
‘The aim of Leichhardt’s diverse services continues to be to empower women in making the connection between body, mind and spirit, (to) gain knowledge of their options and opportunities and (to) exercise their own informed choices.’
Hazel Hawke, 8 March 1999 (LWCHC 25TH Anniversary speech)
Formal opening of Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre, International Women’s Day 8 March 1974, with Bridget Gilling, Feminist & Social Activist (pictured speaking).
Contact us today
Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre provides client centred and trauma informed wrap-around health services, support and education to marginalised and financially disadvantaged women.
LWCHC is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. LWCHC welcomes all women irrespective of ethnicity, mental health, history of suicidality, drug use, faith, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
We are not a crisis counselling or drop-in centre. Our practitioners see women by appointment. Phone us to find out more or to book an appointment: 9560 3011. If you have an urgent medical condition, please go straight to the hospital or dial 000.
Funded by NSW Health
Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre (LWCHC) acknowledges and pays respect to the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We acknowledge the continuation of cultural and spiritual practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. LWCHC supports The Uluru Statement From the Heart.
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