A new free walk-in Women and Girls Health Hub has been officially opened in Caboolture.
The new Wellspring Women and Girls Health Hub provides health checks and screening, immunisations, social work support, education and healthy behaviours.
Operated by Micah Projects, the Hub is delivered in partnership with Queensland Health thanks to an $8.94 million commitment by the Queensland Government over four years.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls said the Hub would empower women and girls in Brisbane’s North and the Sunshine Coast to make informed about their health and wellbeing.
“Labor left a funding blackhole of more than $150 million in women and girls health, but the Crisafulli Government fully funded these initiatives in our record $33.1 billion health budget,” Minister Nicholls said.
“It’s fantastic to officially open this new service that has already begun providing life-changing support to more than 450 local women and girls,” Minister Nicholls said.
Minister for Women, Fiona Simpson said the Government was committed to delivering better health outcomes for women and girls across the state.
“The Hub delivers wraparound support for those experiencing difficult circumstances, such as homelessness or domestic and family violence, ensuring they receive the care, and guidance they need,” she said.
The Hub prioritises communities who face significant barriers to care and who experience poorer long-term health outcomes, particularly First Nations women and girls, those experiencing homelessness, and those experiencing domestic and family violence.
In its first months of operation, the Hub has supported some of the region’s most vulnerable women and girls, including:
- 49% were experiencing homelessness;
- 40% had experienced domestic and family violence;
- 36% identified as First Nations;
- 11% were in contact with the justice system.
Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan said the the Hub was a safe and inclusive space for women and girls to access social, emotional, and healthcare support.
“By focusing on early intervention and holistic care, the Wellspring Hub is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls,” Ms Doolan said.
The Wellspring Hub is one of two pilot Integrated Women’s Health Hubs funded by the State Government. The second hub, Jalbu Women and Girls’ Integrated Health Hub is located in Cairns and was officially opened in September.
