80 years of Family Planning
Date 02 November 2006
On Friday 3 November Family Planning NSW celebrates its 80th birthday with
NSW Minister for Health
NSW Minister for Women
and Family Planning's supporters
10:30 for 11am, Friday 3 November, 328-336 Liverpool Rd Ashfield
Family Planning NSW began 80 years ago in 1926. It is the oldest Family Planning organisation in Australia. In the 1920s it was known as the Racial Improvement Society and in 1928 it became the Racial Hygiene Association. In those days the concept of eugenics was more politically correct than Family Planning.
It was founded by the feminists and activists, Lillie Goodisson and Ruby Rich. The aims of the organisation in the 1920's were the eradication of venereal diseases and to further sex education in the community.
80 years later it still believes in this and concentrates on sharing its expert knowledge in sexual and reproductive health with other health professionals and providing face to face clinical services in areas of special need.
The Family Planning NSW Multicultural Services in Farifield work in the most diverse community in New South Wales serving migrant and refugee communities.
In Dubbo there is a growing indigenous focus along with the need to serve regional and rural communities. In the Hunter, the Newcastle Centre is committed to young people facing high rates of Chlamydia infection as does the Warehouse at Penrith which was specially designed and developed to service young people.
Family Planning NSW now has its headquarters at Ashfield and the refurbished building will be opened by the NSW Minister for Health, The Hon John Hatzistergos MP. The NSW Minister for Women, Sandra Nori MP will also speak.
CEO Ann Brassil says 'I am so proud to be part of this celebration. That we have survived 80 years through out all the politics and funding crises of reproductive health is remarkable. Family Planning is one of the most important organisations for women and their families in Australia. Without it women like me would have had no where to go for unbiased, credible contraceptive advice.'
This year Family Planning was a leader in the campaign to restore approval of the drug RU486 to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Over the last eighty years the organisation has been passionate that women with their partners or families should be able to determine the size and spacing of their families.
'We must never bend' declared its founder Ruby Rich in the 1920s.
Speakers will include the Ministers, President of Family Planning, Dr Devora Lieberman, CEO Ann Brassil, Director of Research Dr Edith Weisberg AM, Dr Stefania Siedlecky former President and co-author of Populate and Perish.
For further information
Contact Manager Communications and Public Affairs
