Dawn Fardell, MP launches Family Planning NSW centre in Dubbo

"Family Planning's most important contribution may well be the light it casts on the darkness. Those involved in the field of sexual and reproductive health realize that the best weapon to take to this particular battle is knowledge"

- Dawn Fardell, MP speaking at the launch of the new Dubbo Rural Centre, 31 July 2009.

L to R: Aunty Bubby Towney, Ann Brassil, Pat Doolan, Dawn Fardell MP, Dr Devora Lieberman, Dr Judy Gardiner

After eight years in a small centre on Darling Street, the Dubbo Rural Centre has finally relocated to the town's busy Macquarie St, where new premises offer a state-of-the-art clinic rooms and additional space for local health promotion activities.

"It's one thing to plan for a new centre and another to bring it to fruition" said Ms. Brassil, Family Planning NSW CEO. "Now that it is actually here and functioning, it is a fantastic facility for the community."

Ms Fardell spoke to a packed room of Aboriginal elders, leaders and health professionals at the launch on July 31, and noted the commitment and history Family Planning NSW has in the Dubbo area regarding reproductive and sexual health.

"It's a great pleasure to be here today and witness another positive evolution in Family Planning NSW and indeed the family planning movement," Ms Fardell began, and soon used a popular TV show, Mythbusters, to highlight the imperative work Family Planning NSW actively continues.

"Most of us are aware of Family Planning NSW's proud record in the area of sexual and reproductive health," Ms Fardell added. "In many regards Family Planning NSW has been in the business of mythbusting."

Indeed, for more than 80 years, Family Planning NSW has been a leader in the state in informing and educating the public about their reproductive and sexual health. 

This is particularly true for the Dubbo Rural Centre, providing more than 1,480 occasions of services to 910 clients in 2008/09. Close to 40% of the clients were less than 30 years of age and 13.6% reported themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

When the original Dubbo Rural Centre first opened in May 2001, it boasted cosy clinic rooms, a small health promotion office and an intimate waiting room which held eight chairs at the most. After only a couple of years it was evident that the centre would need more space.

The new centre opened its doors on 1 June and clients since are experiencing  a brand new facility with three spacious clinic rooms, a large training room for community workshops, training sessions and seminars, and an airy waiting room.

The launch also included  a Welcome to Country from Dubbo Elder, Aunty Bubby Towney, a speech by Ms. Pat Doolan, a member for the Family Planning NSW's Aboriginal Women's Advisory Group and an exhibition of Aboriginal dancing from the Waamaar Aboriginal Dance Group.

To find out more about the Dubbo centre and its services, click here.

For further information

Contact Lindsey Parks, Communications & Marketing Officer by phone on 0447 376 791 or email here.