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History of the Hunter Women's Centre

The Hunter Women’s Centre began its life as the Working Women’s Centre in 1975, International Women’s Year, when the then Federal Government pledged funds for projects by women, for women. The Centre was established to be multi-purpose, concerned with women’s health, welfare, education, work, recreation and legal problems.

There was a strong focus that the Centre not only provide services for women, but that the services be provided by women. There was also a focus to support migrant women through language services, and working women through childcare services. The Centre organised community welfare programs, discussion groups, self help programs and established a library of feminist literature.

Almost 30 years later, the Hunter Women’s Centre is still providing many key services to women across Newcastle and the Hunter. Although the women’s movement has achieved much to progress the wellbeing of women, there are still many gender biases across the community. Women, for instance, bear a high burden of illness and disease, childhood and adult sexual assault are still alarmingly high, as is the incidence of domestic violence. On average, women still earn less than men and struggle with insufficient family and childcare support.

A safe and supportive environment for women