The Centre opened in 1964 as the Trade Union Clinic and Research Centre. It was originally established by the Australian Meat Industry Employees Union (A.M.I.E.U.) to provide free health services to the working people of the western suburbs. It provided a range of medical services including treatments of industrial accidents and diseases, and research into their cause and possible solutions.
Mr George Seelaf, Secretary of the A.M.I.E.U. was a major figure in establishing the idea of the Centre and acquiring the land and funding to turn it into a reality. His portrait hangs above the entrance of our main Footscray site.
In the 1970's the A.M.I.E.U. handed control of the Centre to a not for profit company and the Centre changed its name to the Western Region Health Centre. The Centre's service changed over time with the medical services becoming smaller and community health services growing.
Some of the key changes included:
1970's & 1980's
• Introduction and expansion of Community Health Program1990's
• Auspice of Western Region Outreach Service -• Merger with Braybrook Maidstone Community Health Centre -
• Opening of Public Dental Clinic -
• Auspice of the Western Region AIDS Prevention Program (Needle Syringe Exchange)
2000
• Establishment of the first Primary Health Care Service for illicit drug users in Victoria• Development of Psychiatric Disability Social Support services and expansion into Residential Rehabilitation and Intensive Support Services
Today the Centre's services include a General Practice, 6-chair Public Dental Clinic, Allied Health, Nursing, Counselling, Psychiatric Disability Social and Rehabilitation Support and Public Health Services for illicit drug users.The Centre employs around 150 staff at 8 sites across the western suburbs.
Braybrook / Maidstone
The opening of the Braybrook Community Centre on 27th November 1998 was a very historic time for the residents of Braybrook and Maidstone. They began their struggle about forty years ago when they raised funds to build a youth centre on the edge of Skinner Reserve in Churchill Avenue. The strong community, with the support of other organisations servicing the areas, then focused on getting community health services for the residents of Braybrook and Maidstone. They were successful in getting some grants and formed the Braybrook/Maidstone Community Health Centre and have been operating since 1989. The Centre initially had its operation in a small shop at Beachley Street.
This service is collocated with the Maribyrnong City Council services at Braybrook.