Port Hedland’s “saving grace” for women turns 30

For 30 years Hedland Well Women’s centre has been a lighthouse for local women in what can be an isolating mining community. This week the centre celebrates three decades of supporting some of the most vulnerable women in the regions, who continue to grapple with limited access to health care and gender and racial inequity. The North West Telegraph spoke to some of the founding members, passionate volunteers and change-makers who continue to promote the outstanding legacy of the rural organisation and fight for women’s health. Hedland Well Women’s chief executive Rebecca Worthington said the organisation contributed generously to the Hedland community and she was proud to be part of its significant milestone. A “saving grace” for women Chrissy McDowell has lived in Hedland for more than 30 years and though she said many of the social issues were the same, the Well Women’s centre had provided a stable standard of care for women across town. The former nurse moved to the mining community with her fly-in ,fly-out husband in 1988 and never looked back. Since her partner’s death, Ms McDowell has remained a passionate Hedland local and advocate for women’s health, as well as a valued HWW life member. Crucially, she was involved in the adjusting to babyhood club which took off at the height of the push for post-natal depression awareness. She said though the town remained transient, the centre provided a stable source of health advice. “I advocate for women and children because a lot of them live in isolation and they live a very hard life,” she said. “When I came to town, there were a lot of women in need; a lot of domestic violence, a lot of homelessness and nobody would really talk about that, but they would here. “From my experience women really found this place a saving grace because they were so lonely.” She said the centre was a source of strength for women dealing with complex issues such as domestic violence or becoming a mum. The “safe place” we deserve For chair Robyn Zadow, HWW played a crucial role in making Hedland the most welcoming and supportive rural community she has lived in. She first became involved in the centre as a new mum wanting to make connections with other women going through the same significant life adjustment. Now, with her girls in high school, Ms Zadow has returned to the Well Women’s centre as a member of the board. She said providing knowledge of service provision was vital for young mums and others in need. “It’s enabling people to walk through the door and leave with a bit more confidence to solve their problems,” she said. From client to volunteer You would be lucky to get “two words” out of Robynne Anderson when she first moved to Hedland, but since volunteering with HWW she has come out of her shell and is now giving back to new locals struggling with loneliness. Ms Anderson, who has lived in Hedland for more than 15 years, is a full-time volunteer for the organisation after a long period of volunteering casually. Like many local women, she stumbled into the HWW and established a relationship with those working at the centre. She said she cherished the welcoming nature of the group and continues to give back what she gained from her experience. “They are a nice bunch of ladies, if I ever have a problem I will come in and have a chat. It doesn’t matter if it is a personal thing or not you are welcome...it’s just like family,” she said. She said she was lonely and struggled to meet people when she first came to town and the centre helped open her up to new opportunities.