Women’s Health Northern Rivers (WHNR) has a proud legacy of feminist, community-driven support for women and children in the Northern Rivers region.
Our roots go back to 1977, when the Richmond Women’s Emergency Centre – later known as the Lismore Women and Children’s Refuge – opened its doors, driven by local women responding to domestic violence in the community. Funded by the NSW state government, the first refuge operated out of a rented home on Victoria Street, offering emergency accommodation and referrals.
In 1977, the Richmond Women’s Emergency Centre opened in Lismore, sparked by community concern following a 1975 domestic assault survey. A small group of local women came together to take action, securing government funding and opening the first emergency accommodation service at 16 Victoria Street. The service quickly grew to include childcare, outreach, and a second “exit house” for families needing short-term housing. In 1981, it became an incorporated company and, despite community resistance, purchased a permanent refuge site. By 1992, the organisation was formally incorporated as Lismore Women’s and Children’s Refuge Inc.
Recognising a growing need for broader support services, the organisation rebranded in the early 2000s as Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services (NORWACS).
This marked a shift beyond residential support, expanding into outreach, group work, and advocacy. In 2009, the Lismore Women’s Resource Centre opened to increase access for women across the region. That same decade, NORWACS also became the auspice for Bugalma Bihyn, a culturally specific refuge service for Aboriginal women and children.
In 2014, NORWACS merged with Lismore District Women’s Health Service (established in 1987), bringing together two feminist organisations under one roof. This merger created the Lismore Women’s Health & Resource Centre, offering holistic health and wellbeing support for women.
In 2020, when Heartfelt House, a therapeutic support service for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, was at risk of closure, their Board approached NORWACS. By late 2021, Heartfelt House had officially joined NORWACS, ensuring the continued delivery of this vital service in the Northern Rivers.
Since its founding, WHNR has stood as a fierce advocate for feminism, women’s health, autonomy, and community-led care. From grassroots beginnings to becoming a vital hub for inclusive, trauma-informed services, our story is one of resilience, evolution, and collective strength.
After many years of service as NORWACS which encapsulated Lismore Women’s Health and Resource Centre, WISE (Women in Social Enterprise), Heartfelt House and WORTH (Women’s Outreach Trauma Health Service), in mid-2025 we introduced our new name – Women’s Health Northern Rivers Inc. (WHNR). This change reflects our deep roots in the Northern Rivers community and our continued dedication to inclusive, accessible, and wholistic health care for women in the Northern Rivers region.
While our name has evolved, our mission remains the same: empowering individuals through compassionate care, advocacy, and education. We’re still the same trusted team just with a name that better represents who we are and where we’re headed.
Today, WHNR continues to champion wholistic wellbeing for women and gender-diverse people offering support that spans reproductive health, mental wellness, nutrition, and social connection.
We honour the legacy of those who built this space and remain committed to amplifying voices, dismantling barriers, and nurturing healing in all its forms.
Herstory is still being written by every person who walks through our doors, shares their story, and helps shape a future where health justice is not just a vision, but a lived reality.
Women’s Health Northern Rivers acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and play.
We pay deep respect to Elders past and present, and honour the leadership of emerging Elders.
We extend our respect to all Bundjalung clan groups, and recognise the ongoing cultural and spiritual connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country – land, waters and sky.
We especially acknowledge the Bundjalung women who continue to care for Country, and the knowledge, wisdom and stories they share.
We are grateful to live and work on this land, and remain committed to walking together towards better health and social outcomes.
