Funds for women’s health

Gippsland Women's Health has welcomed the State Government's $19.4 million commitment to women's health services over the next two years.

This month's state budget announced 12 women's health services would share in the budget allocation.

GWH chief executive officer Kate Graham said there had never been a more important time to receive such a funding boost to women's health services across the state.

"The women of Gippsland have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic on the back of multiple climate change disasters and this funding will enable us to continue to reach more women across the region and to partner with key stakeholders.

"The Victorian Government has committed to ensuring gender equality is central to Victoria's future of public health and this has been demonstrated in the application of a gender-responsive budgeting process," she said.

Ms Graham said the funding increase recognised the central role of women's health services as primary leaders in both state-wide and regionalised approaches that commit to reducing the impact of gender inequality on health, safety and wellbeing outcomes for Victorian women.

"Gippsland Women's Health is thrilled with this funding commitment and we welcome the opportunity to escalate our capacity with a range of organisations within Victoria's public health system.

"This funding better enables us to work with key stakeholders including Gippsland Region Public Health Unit and community health services to build on and further strengthen local capacity so that the women of Gippsland have equal access and improved health and safety outcomes," she said.