Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and the Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas were in Kyneton to announce Kyneton Health as one of the final six Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs in Victoria.

The hubs are part of a $153 million women’s health package that will transform the way women’s health issues are treated. They will break down barriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care. These hubs join the current network of 14 hubs that are already delivering free or low-cost care. Kyneton was chosen as a location based on its high demand for women’s healthcare.

Maree Cuddihy, CEO at Central Highlands Rural Health said “We are delighted to have received this funding to provide the women and girls in our community with a strengthened service. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs will provide the Kyneton community and surrounding areas with affordable, accessible and person-centred care to support the best possible sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We're thrilled to provide this locally.”

The workforce supporting the hubs will also benefit from the funding through the Women’s Health Scholarship program. More than 100 scholarships are being delivered – offering chances to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, sexual and reproductive health, pelvic physio training, menopause and PCOS. The scholarships also fund training to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for First Nations women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ communities.

Kyneton Health’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub will operate out of the Ambulatory Care Centre and will be operational by the end of 2024.