EST. 1979

Women Illawarra has been at the forefront of many campaigns for women’s issues. Previously Wollongong Women’s Information Service, our organisation was instrumental in the foundation of many women’s services in the Illawarra, including women’s health, housing and domestic violence services. Since opening our doors in 1979, we have provided continuous support and services to the women of the Illawarra.

The History of Women Illawarra

  • 1979

    Following the first rally in Wollongong for International Women's Day in March 1979, eight local women’s committees, unions, groups and collective’s came together and successfully lobbied for funding to establish the Wollongong Women’s Centre in November 1979.

  • 1980-1990

    The Women’s Centre was the hub of feminist cultural and political activity in Wollongong, with an active membership. During the 80’s the Centre secured funding through the NSW Youth and Community Service and established its first funded support services and community programs. The Centre also purchased its current premises at 170 Corrimal Street, where key local services for women's health and wellbeing were initiated and operated.

  • 1990-2000

    In the 90’s the Centre continued to develop services, programs and campaigns to address issues affecting women locally such as discrimination and harassment, Education & Training, Domestic & Sexual violence, housing and accommodation. There was an increased focus on engaging and supporting Aboriginal Women and women from culturally diverse backgrounds during this decade and increased funding for Domestic and Family Violence, with the establishment of Specialist DV Support workers and the Illawarra WDVCAS.

  • 2000-2010

    During this period The Centre continued to expand programs to engage Aboriginal Women through Intergenerational and Intercultural programs with partnerships developed with The Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Aboriginal Elders. There was expansion in funding for domestic and family violence support with the Illawarra WDVCAS employing more staff including a Multicultural Specialist Worker and an Aboriginal Specialist Worker in 2009.

  • 2010-2020

    This decade saw significant growth and diversification in the Centre’s services and programs, from specialist domestic violence support services through to broader community and cultural programs. The Illawarra WDVCAS expanded further with the introduction of Safer Pathways and the funding of the Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS).

  • 2020 - Present

    2020/2021 was a period of significant growth, development and adjustment for the organisation, navigating service delivery through a global pandemic whilst undertaking a review of our Constitution, a restructure and the rebranding of the organisation from “Wollongong Women’s Information Service” to “Women Illawarra”. Achieving PBI & DGR Status in 2021/2022, we remain committed to providing services and programs that relieve the distress and suffering of women and children who experience vulnerabilities which prevent them from participating fully in our community.

 Our vision is a world where all women feel safe, valued, respected and have a sense of belonging. 

Our mission is to empower women and children in the Illawarra.

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