Rose Cottage: 30 years of supporting Central Coast women
Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC)’s northern centre, affectionately known as Rose Cottage, is celebrating 30 years of support and advocacy for women on the Central Coast this month.
In an event held on 14 October 2025 to mark the 30-year anniversary, dignitaries, donors, councillors, volunteers, staff and long-time supporters of the centre have come together to celebrate its achievements and share stories and memories about the impact Rose Cottage has had for women across the Coast.
CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says Rose Cottage has been a place of hope and healing for thousands of women over the past three decades.
“Our northern Women’s Health Centre, Rose Cottage, has operated from 7 Rose Street, Wyong, for the past 30 years, providing support and care to around 30,000 women during this time,’’ says Sara.
“The centre has provided physical and mental health support services to women who would otherwise not be able to access these services, offered a safe haven and connection to supports for women experiencing domestic and family violence, and has been a place for women experiencing isolation and loneliness to find friendship, kinship and community.”
Originally located on Margaret Street, Wyong, for four years before moving to Rose Street, the official opening of Rose Cottage took place on 11 October 1995.
In its early history, Rose Cottage faced significant challenges, including having to close for six months due to a change in government that resulted in a loss of funding.
Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, the centre continued to offer services to women in the local community until further funding was secured for its ongoing operation.
“The centre was kept alive by community members and volunteers, who ran services free of charge to support women in the northern part of the Coast. Despite the many obstacles the centre has faced, Rose Cottage has endured and flourished, becoming a cherished part of the social fabric of the Central Coast,” adds Sara.
“The spirit and success of our northern Women’s Health Centre is a testament to the many extraordinary women who have contributed to improving the lives of other women and their children for the past three decades.
“We are seeking to build on this incredible legacy of strength and support to continue walking alongside and advocating for women on the Coast for many years to come.”
The northern Women’s Health Centre (Rose Cottage) offers counselling, domestic, family and sexual violence case management, therapeutic and social groups, and will commence the Rose Cottage supported playgroup on 16 October 2025. Childcare is available for women accessing select groups and appointments at the centre.
Find out more: ccwh.org.au