The Federal Government recently awarded not-for-profit women’s health organisation, The Jean Hailes Foundation, $8.25 million in funding until 2019, to become the national digital gateway for women’s health and wellbeing in Australia.

Issuing the announcement in Melbourne on September 9, 2016, Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Sussan Ley MP praised the work of the Foundation, and the role it plays in supporting women’s health in Australia.

“As Health Minister, I am absolutely committed to making sure Australian women live happier, healthier and more active lives, and initiatives to encourage healthy eating, and more activity – like the Girls Make your Move campaign – are fundamental to our approach. Physical and mental wellbeing go hand-in-hand.

“Women’s health and wellbeing is one of the Government’s fundamental priorities and I applaud the work Jean Hailes does to promote women’s health and wellbeing throughout the country,” said Ms Ley.

“Jean Hailes has been a groundbreaking organisation since it began, providing women with information and options for their own health and the health of their families, as well as resources for health professionals since 1997,” Ms Ley said.

The allocated funding will support various projects to assist The Jean Hailes Foundation to reach more women with more information designed to improve their health and wellbeing.

Of particular note, the funding will allow the Foundation to create and host a National Digital Gateway for Women’s Health and Wellbeing – a tool that will serve as a one-stop shop for women’s health information, promoting self-management and prevention.

Executive Director for Jean Hailes, Mrs Janet Michelmore AO, welcomed the announcement, citing the Foundation hopes to provide access to quality health advice for women Australia-wide.

“Establishing Jean Hailes as the national gateway for women’s health and wellbeing provides women, health professionals and communities across Australia, with all of the advantages of a one-stop-shop for health issues.”