A new community-based hub for women’s sexual and reproductive health will soon be based at Bendigo Community Health Services.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy used Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week to announce the Bendigo hub to deliver timely, affordable sexual and reproductive health advice to local women.

A second hub will be based at cohealth in Melbourne with a further six centres to be established in metropolitan and regional areas in the next three years.

Women’s Health Victoria will also establish and operate Victoria’s first pregnancy support help line.

The announcements follow the Andrews Government’s Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan launched earlier this year.

Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Kim Sykes said the new community-based hub for women’s sexual and reproductive health was a terrific initiative by the State Government.

“It’s exciting for Bendigo Community Health Services to get the opportunity to extend the excellent platform of women’s health services we already offer our community,” Ms Sykes said.

“Women of all ages will have access to a full range of sexual and reproductive services empowering them to make informed decisions on their health and wellbeing.

“The hub will allow us to help more women which is fantastic for our community.”

Ms Sykes said the organisation would now work with the State Government to finalise plans for the hub at the BCHS Central site to ensure women could benefit from the expanded services as soon as possible.

Minister Hennessy said the new hubs and the hotline would make a real difference for women.

“Women in Bendigo and right across the state will be able to get the timely expert advice they need, without the stigma,” Minister Hennessy said.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan encouraged all women in Bendigo to treat their sexual and reproductive health as a top priority.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the location of the hub was important.

“It is vital that women in Bendigo and the region can access the services they need and deserve to improve their sexual and reproductive health closer to home,” she said.

Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week runs from September 4 to September 8.

To learn more about the women’s health services already offered by BCHS visit www.bchs.com.au or call 5448 1600.