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.
WHO WE ARE
We are a purpose-built Centre dedicated to the long-term recovery and healing of women who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence. Our work is grounded in lived experience, trauma-informed and client centred care, and a commitment to systemic change.
OUR VISION
Women who have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence have access to services that enable them to heal, recover and thrive.
OUR PURPOSE
To ensure women are supported by a model of care that is informed by lived experience to rebuild their lives with safety, agency and hope.
OUR VALUES
Our values guide our decisions, our processes and the way we work together.
Integrity: We are committed to truth, fairness, and ethical responsibility.
Sisterhood: We walk alongside women with compassion and strength, providing care, safety, and unwavering advocacy.
Connection: We cultivate deep relationships grounded in empathy, belonging, inclusion and shared purpose – with self, with others, and with community.
Dignity: We recognise the inherent worth of every woman, upholding her right to choose, lead, and live with self-respect and personal power.
Truth-telling: We value the individual and collective stories of victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence, and the courage it takes to bring them into the light.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre are deeply committed to living our shared values of respect, self-determination, compassion, safety, equity, diversity, healing, community and hope.
We understand that we must do more than walk beside women and girls on their health and healing journeys. We must also actively prevent harm to children and enhance their safety and wellbeing, either through direct service delivery, supporting caregivers or advocating to change the systems that can compound harm, in order to contribute to the long-term prevention of gender-based violence and child abuse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Joyce Manthi is an experienced General Practitioner living and working in the Illawarra region.
She is a passionate advocate for equity in women’s health, promoting culturally safe care models and community health engagement.
She brings to the board extensive clinical and public health expertise from working both in Kenya and Australia. Dr. Manthi is committed to providing quality health care to women of all stages and backgrounds, particularly dedicated to uplifting the health and well- being of CALD and refugee families who now call Australia home.
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.
