ABOUT US
The Well Women's Centre
was established in 1991
The Centre provides a free service that offers support for women in all aspects of their lives, in particular aims to improve the women’s health and wellbeing in Hedland and surrounding areas and is often referred to as a ‘Home Away from Home.’
In improving the health and wellbeing for women, the Hedland Well Women’s Centre is also improving the health and wellbeing of families and the Hedland community. We celebrate our dedicated support in improving the health and wellbeing of women in our town for the past three decades.
Our service engages thousands of women and families each year. You are welcomed and cared for in an open, non-judgmental atmosphere and confidentiality is assured at all times. Our staff take a holistic approach to women’s issues focusing on physical, emotional, social and mental health.
Our programs and services are open to all women living in or visiting the Hedland area. Dedicated staff are supported by a volunteer Board of Management made up of local women.
Many of the Centre’s activities are run in collaboration with other service providers. The Well Women’s Centre pride themselves in working collectively and with the community on achieving better outcomes for the great town in which we live.
Our funding and support comes from the State Government Health Department and locally through the BHP community partnership.
Our Team
Kianna Barker – Chief Executive Officer
Kianna Barker
Kianna is passionate about enhancing regional and remote healthcare, with a particular focus on women's well-being. Recognising the challenges of accessing services in remote areas, she is devoted to leading sustainable solutions as part of the dynamic Hedland Well Women's Centre team.
Hannah Castledine – Health Promotion Manager
Hannah Castledine
Hannah is our Health Promotion Manager and is responsible for the planning and delivery of the health promotions, programs and events at the Centre.
Hannah enjoys the dynamic nature of HWWC and marvels at how such a small team can deliver such a broad variety of high-quality healthcare services.
Karen Cooper – Clinical Manager
Karen Cooper
Karen loves working in a service designed to be a safe and empowering space improving women's health and wellbeing. Karen feels privileged to support our team of dedicated practitioners to deliver high quality health and wellbeing services. She is passionate about supporting women, meeting them where they are and improving health outcomes for women in regional WA.
Courtney Torry – Centre Coordinator
Courtney Torry
Leila Edwards – Life Coach / Comms Coordinator
Leila Edwards
Leila is our life coach and is passionate about guiding and supporting women to reach their goals and realise their full potential.
Taren Copeman – Women’s Health Nurse
Taren Copeman
With a background in Nursing for more than 30 years, Taren is our Registered Nurse. Our women's health clinic offers cervical screening testing in a comfortable and safe environment. Taren is a gentle and caring nurse who is passionate about women's health.
Jess Mills – Women’s Health Nurse
Jess Mills
Jess is our Women's Health Nurse. She has a wide range of skills and knowledge with over 10 years experience in nursing. Jess has a special interest in women’s health after experiencing her own journey with fertility struggles and endometriosis. She understands the health challenges that regional women face and looks forward to supporting the women of Hedland.
Anthea Dhu – Advocacy Support Worker
Anthea Dhu
Anthea is our Advocacy Support Worker and is available to provide support and a listening ear for those looking for connection, information and referrals.
Kate Christy – Health Promotion Assistant
Kate Christy
Kate loves helping and supporting people, with her background in education she is committed to promoting women’s health at every opportunity and is loving the diverse nature of what the Centre has to offer for the women in the community.
Kathryn Botha – Admin Support
Kathryn Botha
One of Kathryn's most important aims in life is to support and uplift women wherever she can. Kathryn loves being able to use her admin skills to support the Well Women's team, saying that doing this work everyday feeds her soul.
Board Members
Annalee Le Roux
Tricia Hebbard
Leaine Cornell
Sarah Bedell
Deenie Gumina
Janine Cox
Amanda Sweet
Sandra Gibson
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Jacinta Behrend
Chairperson
Vacant
Vice Chairperson
Annalee Le Roux
Treasurer
Amanda Sweet
Secretary
Claire Sobolewski
Board Member
Janine Cox
Board Member
Kristie Bell
Board Member
Charina Townsend
Board Member
Charina Townsend
Board Member
Breoni Sorenson
Board Member
Port Hedland
Most of the time having come from a metropolitan environment and have often travelled interstate or inter country, for many women making Hedland home can be an adjustment.
Adjusting
In your home environment you may have been strongly connected to family, friends and their community and have left these behind. Moving to Port Hedland maybe the first time living outside that environment.
Adjustment can be difficult especially when partners work long hours and the environment and climate is harsh. Even for those who have settled well, the transient nature of the town means regularly saying goodbye to friends and after a while it might feel like it is simpler to give up rather than start again.
It is too easy for women to become isolated and relationships strained resulting in anxiety and depression. The Well Women’s counselling statistics reflect the majority presenting with issues of stress, relationships and anxiety.
We strongly believe women who are connected and not socially isolated stay and create strong communities. We believe that by supporting women in this town we are contributing to healthy relationships and happier community members. We have seen many women not connected and supported unfortunately leave and the town loses families and skilled workers and the community as a whole suffers.
Hedland is an awesome community to be a part of and the Well Women’s Centre enjoys supporting women and families and assisting them in making Hedland Home.
For more information about Port Hedland visit the Town of Port Hedland website and be sure to check out their Events Calendar to find out what’s on.
Board Members
Rebekah Worthington – CEO
Rebekah Worthington
Rebekah moved to town 8 years ago with her family to join the mining game in safety and training management. But a passion for women’s health, a growing love for…
Nicole Bathurst – Dietitian
Nicole Bathurst
Janine Rowley – Admin Support
Janine Rowley
Leila Edwards – Communications Coordinator
Leila Edwards
Justine Esmonde – Program Coordinator
Justine Esmonde
Gloria Lockyer – Full Time Counsellor
Gloria Lockyer
Gloria is an expert in narrative therapy and community and group therapy. She is a local woman who understands local culture and the harsh North West environment. Her passion is…
Elyssa Svarc – Health Nurse
Elyssa Svarc
With experience in community health and general practice, Elyssa's role at the centre is to offer women support in preventative health. Elyssa has an amazing skill at working with and…
Simmy Knott – Counsellor
Simmy Knott
As a client centered Counsellor, Simmy has a strong desire and ability to assist and support clients through stages of their life journey. She has many skills under her belt…
Jill Byrne – Office Manager
Jill Byrne
Jill is here to assist you with any inquiries, she is the welcoming face at the door and the friendly voice over the phone. Jill has called Hedland home on…
Vision
An inclusive community
launch pad providing health
and support services for women.
Mission
Provide a comprehensive health and support launchpad connecting women to services that meet their evolving needs. We aim to improve the health and wellbeing of women by providing accessible and inclusive service with a key focus on health promotion activities. Our legacy of connecting women strengthens the social fabric of our community.
Become a Member
Well Women's Centre
Join or renew your membership for just $25 and enjoy access to all Centre services and programs and keep up to date with what’s on through our monthly newsletter.