Media Release: 19 November 2009

Joan Kirner launches Women's Health West's history

The Honourable Joan Kirner will launch the book 'REtroSPECT: 21 Years of Women's Health in the West of Melbourne' at the Incinerator Arts Complex, Moonee Ponds on Wednesday 25 November 2009.

'REtroSPECT' starts in 1988 with a group of passionate women who won a tender to start Victoria's first regional women's health service and charts Women's Health West's progress from then to now.

Women's voices, stories and experiences have historically been silenced. Women's Health West embarked on this history project to celebrate 21 years of a small organisation with a feminist ethos and also to build knowledge and recognition of the contribution made by women to Australia.

'Looking back at 21 years of work, it seems clear that Women's Health West has been part of a big change in community attitudes. There is greater community recognition of the importance of equality for women and the seriousness of violence against women,' said Dr Robyn Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Health West.

'The book shows that in 1988 two doctors were employed and much of the work was providing direct health services to women,' explained local resident and the book's historian, Esther Singer.

'By 1991 we'd stopped providing doctor's services and expanded to partner with others to change the conditions that cause and maintain women's oppression, to deliver family violence services and to undertake health promotion actions,' said Dr Gregory.

'Speaking to women who have used the family violence service has been a humbling part of the research,' said Ms Singer.

'One woman hoped that, "if other women read it, they'll see no matter how hopeless the situation may feel or how violent and persistent the perpetrator, there is a new life waiting."'

'The best thing about the history book project (for me) was the chance to celebrate all the women who have come through Women's Health West over the last 21 years.' said Ms Singer.

'REtroSPECT: 21 Years of Women's Health in the West of Melbourne' will be distributed for free to community centres, libraries, educational institutions and is available on request from Women's Health West.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

1. Historian Esther Singer is available for photos with the book from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday 20 November 2009 at Women's Health West 317-319 Barkly Street, Footscray.

2. Former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner will launch the book at the Women's Health West AGM at 4.30pm on Wednesday 25 November 2009at the Incinerator Arts Complex, 180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au or contact on the day on 0432 637 933. For all other general media enquiries contact us via email.