The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has welcomed Manda Rochester as its new Head of Programs.
Manda brings extensive experience in trauma recovery and domestic violence services to the organisation’s work supporting women affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.
She has spent much of her career supporting people through some of life’s most challenging experiences. Her work has spanned counselling, family support, domestic and family violence services and trauma recovery programs, giving her a deep understanding of both the challenges people face and the pathways that can help them heal.
“The experience of reaching out for support is often one of the hardest steps a woman can take,” Manda said.
“Women need enormous courage to ask for help, and it’s critical that we respond in ways that make them feel supported from the very beginning.”
A key priority for Manda is ensuring women can access support when they need it most.
Leading the Centre’s counselling, well-being and group programs, she is helping strengthen pathways that enable women to access the right support at the right time.
The Centre provides a range of services designed to support healing, including counselling, creative expression groups, mind-body programs such as yoga, and other therapeutic activities that help women reconnect with themselves and their communities.
Manda believes healing is rarely a straight line. As women move through their recovery journey, their needs can change, and having access to the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
“Every woman’s experience is different, and so is her recovery journey,” she said.
“Our role is to walk alongside women, helping them find the support, connection and tools that will work best for them.”
She is also working with staff to ensure that women receive coordinated support that adapts to their changing needs throughout recovery.
At the heart of Manda’s work is a belief that recovery is possible.
“We know that with the right support, women can heal and rebuild their lives,” she said. “That’s what gives me hope.”
Through counselling, well-being programs and therapeutic groups, the Centre helps women reconnect with themselves, rebuild confidence and create healthier futures for themselves and their families.
The focus is on meeting women where they are and supporting them to move forward in ways that feel right for them.