September 2017

16 APAC / September 2017 , for the Pride of Australia Medal in 2016. I have worked for the past 27 years in Sydney with victims of domestic and family violence and disadvantaged communities. With great pride and dedication, she leads our professional team creating a welcoming space at the centre, where women and girls, have their health and welfare needs met. “We identify and focus on a range of health needs for women and girls in our community. Working within the NSW Women’s Health Framework priorities to target those most at need. We strive to meet the health needs of ATSI and CALD women, girls and the broader community. Ensuring that the governance of BWGHC is of the highest standard and that the organisation delivers high quality health as well, as wellbeing services to target our priority groups are very important to us.” Jhan is keen to tell us what differentiates the firm from their competitors, as well as the trends she is seeing in the industry currently. “BWGHC and the NWSWDVCAS prioritise, vulnerable, marginalised and at-risk groups: women and girls who are financially disadvantaged, have experience of violence or trauma, are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, women and girls with disabilities an those that are supporting parents and carers, are lesbian and same sex attracted, may be homeless or at risk of homelessness, are ex- offenders and women and girls from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those from emerging communities. “The Blacktown Local Government Area, will become home to over 250,000 new people by 2020, housed in 20 new suburbs. This influx of people will present new and important challenges to existing services, many of which are already at capacity.” BWGHC places a strong focus on people, so in this vein you may wonder what the internal culture is like at this firm is like, for example what role does training play in ensuring that clients receive the best possible service? Jhan goes on to explain the firm’s approach to hiring new staff. “Our staff receive regular training and development that enables us to continue to provide a professional and safe, women’s only space where health and welfare support can be provided by caring professionals in a welcoming manner. “BWGHC’s reputation within the local community is excellent and as such, we encourage our staff to stretch and grow in their current roles by providing coaching, training and development, supervision and mentoring. So, they feel like we’re invested with them in they’re learning and growing within the organisation.” In closing, Jhan underlines the firm’s future plans, as they carry on the excellent work of serving the local community. “This year, BWGHC is acknowledging its 30th anniversary with an open day celebration and we will actively embrace the local community, by holding the event at our own centre. BWGHC seeks to find new ways to offer real and ongoing benefits to the community we serve, with the help of our funding bodies, NSW Health and Legal Aid NSW, community partners, generous sponsors and local supporters.” Women celebrating our Family Planning NSW clinics at Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre.

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