More than four years after the concept was launched, it remains unclear where the Women's Trauma Recovery Centre - a world-first service for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence - will find a permanent home.
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This week, Illawarra Women's Health Centre chairwoman Jessica Koot said the organisation remained in discussions with Health Minister and Keira MP Ryan Park to secure a location for the centre.
The old Port Kembla Hospital site in Warrawong, which will be redeveloped under the Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project, has been flagged as a possibility.
Mr Park declined to comment on the issue, but an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson said there was still an offer to potentially locate the centre at the Port Kembla Hospital site.
However, the availability of land for the construction of the centre is contingent on the outcome of a master planning process, which is ongoing.
A Health Infrastructure spokesperson said that "in the coming months the master plan for the site will be finalised and released to the community for feedback".
"The LHD has also committed to ensuring the Illawarra Women's Health Centre is kept appropriately informed throughout this process," the Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD spokesperson said.
"The LHD fully supports the potential co-location of the trauma recovery centre in the future.
"However, the District's first priority is to ensure the ongoing provision of health services to the local community of the Illawarra."
But Sally Stevenson, executive director of the IWHC, said the centre had had no meetings with the local health district since February.
Ms Stevenson also said they had repeatedly been told the offer for land was firm.
The centre continued to seek clarification on the master planning process, she said, including the timeline.
On Monday, Ms Koot said ongoing funding was needed for land and building works, while Whitlam MP and federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones called for the NSW government "to ensure that there is money for capital works".
Mr Park declined to comment on whether the state government would provide any capital funding for the centre.
"We understand the Women's Trauma Recovery Centre is a priority of Minister Park, and expect to continue the positive discussions we've had with him - in order to confirm a permanent site - and the funding of the capital costs of the building so we can start on the design and construction of a fit for purpose centre - and make the absolute most of our Commonwealth funding delivering best practice services to the women of the Illawarra," Ms Stevenson said.
The federal government will provide $25 million over five years for the operation of the centre, which is due to open at an interim site by the end of the year.
Ms Koot said the IWHC needed the centre to happen "as soon as possible".
"We know that there is a huge pressure on our services, particularly here at the Illawarra Women's Health Centre, but all other local services as well for women who have experienced trauma," she said.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
