Blacktown Women's & Girls' Health Centre

29/10/2026

Our amazing team members Trudy and Susanna sent through these photos of the way they set up the room with care for their Emotional CPR for Women group. They make sure it's a comfortable space to talk about healthy and unhealthy relationships, with tablecloths, mood lighting and a good selection of snacks! The group runs on Fridays. Ring Reception on (02) 9831 2070 to book in.

28/10/2026

Why are older women so often the target of violence? According to Spanish researcher, Jorge Gracia Ibáñez, "the main intersecting drivers of inequality are: being a woman, a victim of violence, and an older person." Meaning, two different forms of discrimination – sexism and ageism – intersect and both affect older women at the same time.

One way to support older women is by maintaining strong social connections. We have plenty of groups and activities at Blacktown Women's & Girls' Health Centre to do this. Call Reception to find out more (02) 9831 2070.

https://theconversation.com/elderly-women-are-often-victims-of-gender-based-violence-why-is-it-so-hard-for-them-to-get-help-294742

Ageism, sexism and dependence leave many older women trapped in abusive relationships.

27/10/2026

Do you put off seeing a doctor? Research shows you're not the only one, and while cost is certainly a factor, many of us are doing so out of fear or embarrassment. Molly Smith's story shows why putting off seeing a doctor is not such a good idea...

https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/soapbox/i-told-myself-id-be-fine-i-was-wrong/

I ignored my stomach pain for too long, afraid to see a doctor, until waiting turned a manageable problem into an emergency.

27/10/2026

Did you know the first pilot to fly out of the Western Sydney International Airport was a Greek Australian woman, Aglaya Papadokokolakis, who grew up in Blacktown? The Jetstar Australia flight JQ362 departed for the Gold Coast shortly before 11.30am on Sunday.

https://greekherald.com.au/news/greek-australian-pilot-makes-history-at-western-sydneys-new-airport/

A Greek Australian pilot has made history by captaining the first commercial passenger flight to depart Western Sydney International Airport.

26/10/2026

If you've noticed some pretty lights springing up around Blacktown, it might be because Blacktown City Council are running their popular Diwali Lights competition again. They're giving away $2500 in cash prizes for the best decorated properties across the city's five wards. Nominate a neighbour (or yourself) here before 30 October 2026: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Diwali-Lights-Competition

25/10/2026

Blacktown Women's & Girls' Health Centre is pleased to see the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG release clinical guidelines that clarify when to use menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) over other medicines and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer. We agree that "women should receive the same standardised recommendations" irrespective of where they live, or which GP they see for menopause care.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-10-17/ranzcog-new-guidelines-for-managing-menopausal-symptoms/107269850

Australia has a new set of clinical guidelines for managing the symptoms of menopause, that include hot flushes, night sweats, and a frequent need to urinate. Here's what it means for you.

22/10/2026

Experiencing severe period or chronic pelvic pain? Talk with your GP, nurse and ask about the Endometriosis Management Plan (EMP).

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v0hrIvprpwQ

Find out more here: https://www.endometriosismanagementplan.org/

“Just being believed would have changed so much.”Hear Florrie's e...

21/10/2026

Nobody wants to hear the words, “you have breast cancer,” but if you do, Breast Cancer Network Australia have put together a page of useful resources for people who are newly diagnosed. Check them out here: https://www.bcna.org.au/recently-diagnosed

Read Judith Lucy's statement on her diagnosis of breast cancer here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-06/judith-lucy-announces-breast-cancer-diagnosis/107233588

20/10/2026

The Board of Blacktown Women's & Girls' Health Centre is proud to announce the appointment of Andrea Karwal as Chief Executive Officer. Andrea, who has been guiding the centre as its interim General Manager for the last year, will continue to build upon the centre’s reputation as a safe and trusted place for women across the Blacktown region. Andrea brings with her experience from a wide range of community sector organisations, including Domestic Violence NSW, Women’s & Girls’ Emergency Centre WAGEC, and Wayside Chapel, and is a current board member of Full Stop Australia.

20/10/2026

It's Wednesday, and that means Family Planning Australia are onsite at Blacktown Women's & Girls' Health Centre from 9.30am to 4.00pm. If you've been putting off your cervical screening, or sexual health test, or talking to a female clinician about menopause, there's no better time to make an appointment than right now!

Make an appointment at Blacktown by calling Family Planning on 1300 372 372