The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a one-stop place for women to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
It is an initiative of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and was officially opened on September 6, 2024, by Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones, NSW Minister of Health Ryan Park and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson.
The Centre was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
It is the first of its kind in Australia, providing specialised, individualised support to women recovering and healing from the trauma of domestic, family and sexual violence and abuse.
The model of care was co-designed with women who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence and it recognises the need for care to go beyond crisis intervention to address the long-term impact of trauma.
By investing in the safety, health, and healing of women, the Centre works toward breaking cycles of violence and abuse to prevent intergenerational transmission of trauma.
You can find out more about the research and principals behind the Centre in our 2021 Business Case and our A New Model of Care Co-Design Report.
Women are respected, secure and free to decide their futures on journeys sustained with optimism and hope.
We are committed to providing comprehensive domestic, family, and sexual violence support to every woman, ensuring their right to heal for as long as needed.
We support women’s needs by connecting them to personalised and specialised domestic, family and sexual violence services to help them recover and live secure lives.
Alex is an artist and trauma-informed counsellor with a Bachelor’s degree specialising in counselling and over a decade of experience supporting women, families, and children in diverse roles, from equine-assisted therapist to children’s school counsellor and adventure therapist.
Alex is keenly interested in somatic and creative approaches to trauma healing, and the power of nature connection. She is passionate about supporting women to reconnect with their inner wisdom and embodied sense of safety. She is currently completing further training in trauma-informed integrative sex coaching and education.
Alex is looking forward to growing and expanding upon the social and creative offerings at the Centre and welcomes feedback and suggestions about what people would love to see at the Centre.
Throughout Jess’s career she has worked closely with vulnerable communities, providing the guidance and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
She said her work is driven by empathy, a deep sense of purpose, and a strong desire to make a positive impact.
Jess is dedicated to empowering people to reach
their full potential and move forward with confidence and strength.
Kynea is the receptionist here at the Centre and is likely the first person you will see when entering this beautiful space.
An experienced receptionist in the medical field, Kynea has worked for the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Centre and for Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Kynea brings knowledge to the Centre and is a proud Indigenous woman and mother to two beautiful girls.
Ally is a social worker with over three years post-graduate experience working with
vulnerable adults and their families.
After completing a Bachelor of Social Work with
the Australian Catholic University, she commenced her professional journey as an alcohol and other drugs case manager with individuals from a criminal justice background. Following this experience, Ally moved into a role as a specialist domestic and family violence counsellor to women impacted by domestic and sexual abuse.
Ally brings a person-centred and strengths-based approach to her work. She prides herself on being passionate about the domestic and family violence space and has committed to supporting women to find empowerment in their communities and relationships.
Essra is a social worker with eight years of experience working in refugee, trauma, mental health, aged care, and child and family spaces.
Essra comes from a diverse background both professionally and personally – and uses these experiences to inform her practice, openness, compassion and empathy. She is passionate about working with women and children and believes everyone has a right to recovery and to access equitable support.
As a Case Manager at the Illawarra Women’s Recovery Centre, Essra uses a person-centered, strength-based, culturally safe, and trauma-informed lens within a systems framework to support women and their families to achieve their goals.
Felicity is a Trauma Informed Bodyworker and Naturopath, who has gained many years of experience working in the Health and Wellbeing Sector and teaching a variety of bodywork modalities privately and through TAFE NSW.
Felicity’s interest in treating Women and Children recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence with Somatic Body-based therapies and Equine Assisted Therapy stemmed from her own lived experience as a victim-survivor. She continues to build her skills and knowledge in these dynamic and developing fields of study, which she finds relevant and essential to trauma recovery.
With a deep passion for empowering individuals, Roseanne has dedicated her career to helping people find strength and purpose in their life’s journey. She has worked across various not-for-profit organisations in out-of-home care, NDIS, and emergency housing, providing vital support to those in need.
As an NDIS provider, Roseanne is committed to guiding participants toward discovering their strengths and achieving their personal goals. She integrates creativity into her practice through clay therapy, offering a hands-on, therapeutic approach that fosters self-expression and healing.
Roseanne’s mission is to create a space where individuals feel supported, empowered, and inspired to embrace their journey with resilience and self-discovery.
Kelly is a passionate and dedicated community services worker with 15 years of experience, predominantly working in the domestic and family violence sector. She has a Diploma in Community Services.
Kelly has worked in advocacy and has developed policies for the domestic and family violence sector within Peak Bodies; she has directly worked directly with clients in case management, supporting women and children experiencing and/or escaping domestic and family violence, crisis work, court support, intake and referral experience.
Kelly has also worked in case management in the homelessness and community corrections sector.
Jean is dedicated to guiding women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to rediscover their physical and mental strength, move confidently and easily, and build a deep, loving connection with their bodies. She believes that combining science-based knowledge with empathy empowers every woman.
Jean has a deep passion for Applied Neurology and its integration into mental health. With 20 years of experience in martial arts, she is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and she thrives on continuous learning and physical and mental challenges.
Her greatest fulfillment comes from coaching women and witnessing their confidence and overall well-being flourish.
Katarina studied psychodynamic counselling at Birkbeck, University of London in the UK.
She began her working career in the UK school systems, providing counselling in primary and secondary education.
Katarina’s personal journey led her from living in the UK to New Zealand where she worked within a field of sexual harm.
Katarina loves outdoors and connecting with nature and animals and sees these connections as vital to happiness and fulfilment.
Maree is a senior executive with more than 30 years experience as a CEO, General Manager, and Chief Operating Officer in corporate, for-profit, and not-for-profit organisations.
Maree is an experienced company director, having held positions on boards in the financial services sector, education, aged care, disability, and research. She has held positions on corporate governance, risk, audit, and strategic partnership committees.
Maree brings a wide range of skills that include financial, human resources, and building robust cultures to organisations.
Terri is a financial counsellor with a background in community services and banking.
She’s experienced in microfinance and no-interest loans and has worked with community organisations supporting vulnerable clients.
She’s passionate about financial empowerment, access, and advocacy – particularly for those experiencing hardship or financial abuse.
Geraldine is a social worker with five years of experience within the homelessness sector.
Her practice is grounded in ecological, trauma -informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches. Geraldine is enthusiastic about building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and ensuring people feel seen, heard, and supported.
She is eager to continue her professional development and contribute to a team dedicated to women’s recovery and empowerment.
Dusty can be a grounding presence for women dealing with trauma, anxiety, and distress. Some clients meet him before their first appointment to help ease nervousness about entering a new space. Others use his presence to calm down after difficult therapy sessions before heading home.
For those looking to incorporate more physical activity into their routine, Dusty can be a great walking companion. During some sessions, he joins in on short walks, providing both comfort and motivation.
The Council of Women is the governing body that oversees the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Jessica Koot is a mother and stepmother. Born and raised in the Illawarra, where she now raises her own family, Jessica has strong ties to our region.
Jessica is also the Principal Lawyer and Practice Leader of Watts McCray Lawyers, Illawarra. Working as a Family Lawyer, she has a deep appreciation for the challenges that women (including mothers) face in the Australian Family Law system.
Jessica has a strong passion for supporting local women. In addition to her role with our Centre, she is actively involved in the Women Lawyer’s Association of NSW and is the Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Wollongong Chapter.
Tanya’s background is electrical engineering and project management. She attained her electrical engineering degree at University of Wollongong.
She has consolidated that knowledge recently with her project management CAPM accreditation and her Masters of Business Administration.
Tanya is passionate about women’s issues and empowering them to have greater choices in life, especially those who may feel disenfranchised, such as older women, single mothers and LGBTIQA+ women.
Narelle has extensive expertise in governance, finance, and operational leadership.
She drives strategic growth, risk management, and community impact.
Her experience spans aged care, professional, and corporate sectors, ensuring strong financial oversight, compliance, and business development.
Passionate about empowering women and organisations, she champions sustainable initiatives that enhance service delivery and community well-being.
Simone is a strategic and results-driven executive with expertise in governance, financial management, and business transformation.
With a proven track record in driving organisational growth, risk mitigation, and high-level stakeholder engagement, she is a dynamic leader dedicated to delivering meaningful impact through strategic leadership and advocacy.
Melissa is an experienced leader with expertise in operations and health strategy. She holds an MBA from Sydney Business School and is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.
Melissa is committed to corporate governance and effective leadership in complex business environments.
Natalee is a dedicated advocate for survivors of abuse, also standing up for the little guy in medical negligence, discrimination, and compensation claims.
Passionate about social justice, she fosters connections, mentors her team, and promotes wellness.
Actively engaged in the community, she volunteers, holds professional memberships, and champions trauma-informed practices to drive change.
Vi is a seasoned Senior Business Banking Manager with extensive expertise in finance, compliance, governance, and risk management.
She is a passionate advocate for women’s health, safety, and financial security, dedicated to driving positive change and empowering women in all aspects of their lives.
Bianca is Director of FLW Connect, and is a Gumbaynggirr woman dedicated to cultural safety, and wellbeing.
Her advocacy and work led her to develop tailored training and co-author a Mental Health and Prevention research article.
Bianca’s passion, and social responsibility drives her to support innovations that spotlight the beautiful Dharawal Country we live on, and proud community spirit.
Kelly is an experienced psychologist with a career involving roles in government and non-government organisations, as well as private practice.
Kelly’s work combines her deep understanding of mental health with a compassionate, person-centred approach.
She also has a strong foundation in governance, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
She is dedicated to creating meaningful, supportive environments for those in need of healing and empowerment.
Tegan Bezzina is a valued executive leader with over 15 years’ experience working in Community Services.
Tegan has a bachelor’s degree, in Public Health and specialises in Aged Care and Disability Services, however, has also worked in the Health, Child Protection and Out of Home Care Sector.
Tegan is passionate about making a difference to the lives of women and children and committed to the future of The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a project of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre provides free or low-cost and affordable medical, allied and complementary health care as well as health and well-being programs, groups and education to improve women’s health. We are non-government and not-for-profit.
We are a women only space.
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The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is situated on the land of the Dharawal Nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respects to Elders past and present for they hold the memories, traditions and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. This land is, was, and always will be traditional Aboriginal land. We acknowledge that we work in the context of generations of resilient, strengths-based, holistic resistance to violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We commit to actively supporting and promoting the voices of Aboriginal people and organisations in our work. We fully support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
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