Healthy North Coast is proud to celebrate the long-standing success of the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre – operated by Health Voyage – which has been delivering dedicated, women-centred primary health services in the region for nearly 40 years.
Since its establishment, the Centre has become a vital part of the local health landscape, offering tailored care and support to women across all life stages.
‘Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre exemplifies the values we hold dear at Healthy North Coast – equity, community, and person-centred care,’ said Luke Elias, Director Primary Health Programs & Partnerships at Healthy North Coast.
‘Their decades-long service reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of women in our region, particularly those facing complex or vulnerable circumstances.’
Just one example is the successful implementation of the dedicated Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, which is the first of its kind in Northern NSW and first of the original tranche across Australia – funded by Healthy North Coast via the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Ms Julie Chakos, Practice Manager at the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre has summarised a recent community event which showcased their achievements in improving access to specialised women’s health services in the region:
Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Education Event | Saturday 14 June 2025
Endometriosis and pelvic pain are conditions that affect the lives of many women and gender-diverse people, often in silence and isolation. A staggering 1 in 10 women are affected by endometriosis, with the average time to diagnosis being 7-8 years.
This event was part of the Centre’s broader commitment through the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain (EPP) program to raise awareness, improve understanding, and strengthen support for those impacted.
The education event brought together their multidisciplinary team of passionate and highly regarded health professionals, each of whom shared evidence-based insights, practical strategies, and compassionate perspectives.
Local Elder Aunty Narelle Wilson opened the event and welcomed over 70 attendees to Gumbaynggirr Country.
Presenters included:
- Dr Aaron Budden, Gynaecologist – speaking on surgical and medical management of endometriosis
- Heidi Mortimer, EPP Program Manager and Women’s Health Physiotherapist – the Patient Journey through the EPP Clinic and managing EPP in the workplace.
- Jill Hely, Psychologist – using mindfulness to manage the psychological impacts of chronic pain and mental health care
- Kay Fairweather, Osteopath and Yoga Teacher – guiding attendees through movement and body awareness as tools for pain management
- Faye Levine, Dietitian – discussing the gut-pelvic pain connection and dietary approaches
- Berry Jones, Women’s Health Nurse – offering a trauma-informed care perspective of enjoying a healthy sex life
- Dr Jo Walker and Dr Kristen Pigram, women’s health general practitioners who also work at the EPP Clinic
Each presentation was informative, engaging, and delivered with warmth and empathy. A key highlight was the interactive Q&A panel, which enabled attendees to ask questions relevant to their lived experience and receive advice from multiple disciplines in one setting.
The event also included a networking lunch, which provided a safe and welcoming space for connection. Many attendees expressed how meaningful it was to meet others who truly understood their experiences – reducing feelings of isolation and creating a sense of community.
Key outcomes
Key outcomes from the event included:
- 93% of participants reported being ‘very satisfied’ with the overall organisation and delivery of the event, and the remaining 7% reported being ‘satisfied’
- 54% of attendees were existing clients of the Women’s Health Centre and currently accessing our services and ongoing care, the remaining 46% are now informed on Women’s Health Centre services, groups, educational workshops and activities.
- Numerous expressions of interest in ongoing group connection opportunities, particularly future education sessions, movement classes, and peer support.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as:
‘Wonderful event, wonderful to be in a room of people who just ‘get it’.’
‘Thank you. Really good day, met others at lunch and shared stories, great support. Loved this day, staff so amazing.’
‘Will encourage more women for next years Endo and Pelvic Pain Education Event. Thank you!’
Thank you to all attendees – your courage, curiosity, and shared stories made the day deeply meaningful. Your presence contributes to breaking down stigma and building a community of understanding, hope, and advocacy for better pelvic health care.
The Centre looks forward to hosting future events and expanding the conversation around pelvic pain and endometriosis, ensuring that no one walks this journey alone.
For more information about the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, visit Health Voyage’s website or call the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre on (02) 6652 8111.
Healthy North Coast is a proud supporter of the EPP program.
