1960's
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.
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.
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.
1970's & 1980's
• Introduction and expansion of Community Health Program1990's
• Auspice of Western Region Outreach Service• Opening of Public Dental Clinic
• Auspice of the Western Region AIDS Prevention Program (Needle Syringe Exchange)
• Merger with Braybrook Maidstone Community Health Centre:
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.
2000
• Establishment of the first Primary Health Care Service Health Works for illicit drug users in Victoria• Development of Psychiatric Disability Social Support services and expansion into Residential Rehabilitation and Intensive Support Services
Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC)
A collaborative initiative with Mercy Mental health, North-Western Mental Health and Norwood Association, PARC is a 20 bed short term residential facility for people with mental illness.
215 Nicholson Street
A fully integrated, purpose built, primary care service for clients with mental health issues and/or at risk of homelessness. 215 makes health services accessible to people with mental health issues, addiction, or homelessness.
2010
Barkly Arts Centre
Launched in 2010, the Barkly Arts Centre (BAC) acts as an interface between disadvantaged groups and the wider community. BAC focuses on engaging communities not involved with community arts and culture; supporting the development of CALD and disadvantaged emerging artists; and offering established artists the opportunity to collaborate with them. A dynamic range of arts projects are delivered through BAC (click here to view YouTube site featuring BAC projects).
Joslin Clinic – Barkly Street, West Footscray
The Joslin Clinic opened in early November 2011 in West Footscray village.
Named after Dr Garry Joslin, a much loved and highly respected Doctor who retired in 2011 after 40 years with WRHC, the Joslin Clinic brings quality medical and specialist health services to the people of Melbourne's west.
A multi-disciplinary team provide coordinated client care focussed on improving health outcomes.The Joslin Clinic is located across two sites in Barkly Street, West Footscray:
- 575a Barkly Street is a purpose built medical clinic and the primary location for doctor and nursing appointments, and,
- 571 Barkly Street provides specialist/Allied health appointments, for example Podiatry and Psychology. The range of specialist health services available will increase and diversify as we become more established.