General News
6 March, 2026
Green light for women’s health clinic
A specialist clinic for women is to be established in Ararat with funding announced this week by the Victorian Government. Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced the next round of clinic locations – delivering on a commitment to establish 20 dedicated multidisciplinary clinics across the state.
Four new clinic locations were announced on Monday, including one at East Grampians Health Service in Ararat.
The clinic, once established, will give local women access to specialists like gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, nurses and allied health support.
Minister Thomas said the new clinics are being rolled out ensuring that country women have services closer to home – saving them time, money and travel.
The new clinics will also provide information for a range of issues and conditions including endometriosis, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception, abortion and menopause.
“We’re making it easier for Victorian women to get the care they need – it’s completely free and close to home.”
"Victorian women will no longer need to jump through hurdles to get comprehensive, specialist care,” she said.
Minister Thomas said the government’s rollout of women’s health clinics has been shaped by the statewide experiences of women and girls who revealed gender health gaps, experiences of medical bias, sexism, misogyny and feelings of being ignored or dismissed by clinicians.
East Grampians Health Service Director of Community Services Sarah Woodburn said the announcement was a huge win for local women.
"East Grampians Health Service was thrilled to be included as one of the Women’s Health Clinics announced on Monday by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas.
“This clinic will enable us to provide specialist Women’s Health Services to the women of Ararat and surrounding areas. These services will include local access to specialist appointments such as gynaecologists, continence and women’s health nurses and allied health supports.
“Traditionally these types of services have only been delivered in metropolitan and regional centres requiring rural women to travel significant distances for care and at significant cost.
“Building on the existing Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, a local Women’s Health Clinic will improve access and reduce the costs for these services for the women of Ararat,” Ms Woodburn said.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the new clinic will bring important services closer to where people live.
"Our region has historically faced huge gaps in women's healthcare, particularly in sexual and reproductive services. Our new women's health clinic in Ararat fills that gap, giving women and girls options close to home."
"I am so proud of this new clinic and want to sincerely thank the staff for all they are doing,” Ms Haylett said.
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