September 2017

14 APAC / September 2017 , AE170100 Women’s Wellbeing and Empowerment BlacktownWomen’s and Girls Health Centre (BWGHC), is committed to providing a professional, affordable and holistic gender informed service. The firmwas thrilled to receive the Best Women-Focussed Healthcare Centre - New SouthWales accolade, as part of the APAC Australian Enterprise Awards. Tomark this success, we spoke to Jhan Leach, the Executive Officer of BlacktownWomen’s and Girls’ Health Centre and the North-Western Sydney Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, to learnmore about enhancing the wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls today. Blacktown Women’s and Girls Health Centre (BWGHC), is committed to providing a professional, affordable and holistic gender informed service, promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls, delivered in a caring, non-judgemental, respectful and safe environment. It is based in Blacktown, Greater Western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Jhan Leach, the Executive Officer of Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre and the North-Western Sydney Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service explains more about the scope of the firm’s valuable work in supporting women and girls. “We recognise that women’s health encompasses the physical, spiritual, environmental, emotional and social wellbeing of women and girls by advocating for and supporting women from a feminist perspective. “BWGHC provides counselling and casework, remedial massage therapy, naturopathy a nutritionist at low or no cost. Through established community partnerships, we provide a free early childhood clinic, women’s health clinics, legal support and support for women who are or have experienced domestic violence. We offer an active group programme facilitated by health care professionals and health educators, exercise and yoga groups and support groups for resilience building and domestic violence. “We auspice the North-West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (NWSWDVCAS) and (LCP SAM’s) programmes for Legal Aid NSW. We provide support for women experiencing domestic violence, assisting them through the local court system. At court, we provide a safe, women-only space for women, who can be refereed to us for their health care, counselling support, information and crisis support service provision.” On the achievement of the Best Women-Focussed Healthcare Centre - New South Wales accolade, as part of the APAC Australian Enterprise Awards, Jhan reveals what this award means to her and the team. She also adds her thoughts on the firm’s mission and the steps they take to achieve this. “Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre are very proud to have won this award, in recognition of the work we do to support women and girls in our community with a range of health and welfare services. “I was awarded Blacktown Woman of the Year by the Premier of NSW, The Heart of the Community and nominated