The Women's Health Centre Southern Highlands

07/04/2026

As the school holidays begin, it’s a great time for our female teens to slow down, rest, and check in with their changing bodies.

This stage of life can bring new period patterns, cramps, breast changes, mood shifts, or questions about what’s normal. It can feel confusing — and the school break is the perfect chance to pause, learn, and get the right support.

At The Women’s Health Centre Southern Highlands, we offer gentle, age‑appropriate care for our young teens as their bodies develop. Whether it’s a first period, irregular cycles, pain, or simply wanting to understand these changes, our team is here to help with reassurance and evidence‑based guidance.

School holidays are a great time to book a check‑in and help female teens feel confident and supported as they grow.

07/04/2026

Pregnancy

Pre-pregnancy planning provides an opportunity to optimise your health before having a baby. This includes a review of your general health including immunisation status, current health conditions and medications as well as an STI screen if appropriate, breast check and CST if due.

Subfertility can also be assessed, investigated and referral options discussed, if appropriate.

Antenatal Shared Care Program is offered by our ANSC certified clinicians for low risk women assessed as suitable for the program and are keen on receiving community care in collaboration with hospital care during their pregnancy.
If preferred, initial investigation including blood tests and ultrasounds can be organised prior to referral to a private obstetrician or the hospital Antenatal clinic.
Postnatal checks are offered to all women, to assess their recovery, health and well being, after delivery.

We also offer unplanned pregnancy counselling including referral options.

-pregnant

19/03/2026

Period pain and pelvic pain shouldn’t be something you just “put up with.”
If you experience severe period pain, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain outside your cycle, or if pain is starting to shape the choices you make in your life, you’re not alone.

Our team is here to support you with compassionate, evidence‑based care. Reach out anytime, you deserve to feel heard, understood, and supported.

12/03/2026

A warm welcome to Dr Tisha, joining us as a GP Registrar. Her clinical interests include women’s health, antenatal care, diabetes management, and preventative medicine. We look forward to the care she will provide to our patients. With experience across Tweed/Byron and Westmead Hospitals, Dr Tisha brings a strong clinical foundation to our team.

Dr Tisha consults on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with appointments available via HotDoc.

21/02/2026

A huge thank you to Sophie, Gia, Courtney and Dr Nasreddine for leading our very first Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Education Session today, and all the participants that attended. Each presentation offered practical, empowering insights—from pelvic floor health and nutrition to exercise and understanding pain. We’re so grateful for the knowledge shared by our multidisciplinary team and the support offered to our community

Hanady delivered a powerful session today on understanding pain and why it doesn’t always reflect tissue damage. She walked us through how the brain, nerves, muscles, and emotions all play a role in persistent pelvic pain, especially for conditions like endometriosis. Her presentation highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—education, physio, medical care, and lifestyle support—to help women manage pain with confidence and clarity.

Sophie gave a great presentation today on how pelvic floor health connects to endometriosis. It was a reminder that many women live with symptoms they shouldn’t have to manage alone. Women’s Health Physiotherapists offer gentle, specialised support for pelvic pain and continence concerns, creating a safe space for women to understand their bodies and get the care they need.

Gia shared such a helpful presentation today, breaking down practical nutrition tips that can support women living with endometriosis. From adding healthy fats to choosing colourful vegetables and wholegrains, her advice highlighted how small daily choices can help reduce inflammation and support overall pelvic health. A great reminder that nourishing our bodies is an important part of managing endo with confidence and care.

Courtney shared how the right exercise can ease pelvic floor issues, support endometriosis and adenomyosis symptoms, and strengthen women through every life stage. Her message was clear: exercise is powerful medicine, and Exercise Physiologists know how to tailor it so every woman can feel her best.

24/12/2025

As we wrap up this year, we want to say a big thank you to everyone who has been with us in 2025.

This year has been full of growth and connection, showing us how important our work is. Whether you joined our team, are a patient, worked with us, or just shared our message—thank you. Your trust and support strengthen our mission and help us create a safe, empowering space for all women.

With the holidays here, we hope you find time to rest, recharge, and be with people who make you happy. May your Christmas be peaceful, your New Year full of possibilities, and may you feel supported as we enter 2026 together.

From all of us at the Women’s Health Centre: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of our community.

21/12/2025

Dr Jo Tong completed her medical degree at the University of New South Wales in 2006. She completed her specialist GP training in Albury, where she continued to work as a dedicated GP for 10 years prior to relocating to the Southern Highlands in 2020.

Dr Jo strongly advocates patient-centred, comprehensive health care, and is known for her caring, thorough and methodical approach. She has a special interest in managing complex, chronic conditions, as well as low carb medicine, and children’s health. She also strongly believes in the importance of providing quality education for upcoming young doctors, and is a GP Supervisor.

Outside of medicine, Dr Jo is passionate about animals (dogs in particular!), and is an avid traveller.

Open for appointments on HotDoc https://thewomenshealthcentre.com.au/

17/12/2025

05/11/2025

Over the weekend, our dedicated doctors attended the National Women’s Health Conference —hosted by Avoca Women’s Health, an inspiring gathering of GPs from across the country, united in their commitment to advancing women’s health care.

From sharing insights to learning the latest in research and practice, our team continues to lead with compassion, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. Their ongoing involvement in these vital conversations reflects our unwavering mission: to support and uplift the health and wellbeing of women in every stage of life.

We’re proud of our team and their passion for making a difference—locally and nationally. 💜

WomensHealth

03/11/2025

As part of the Endometriosis Clinic, we also offer a workshop webinar called Empowered Relief- funded by The Women’s Health Centre.

Our Empowered Relief Workshop will take place on Thursday 20th of November, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom hosted by the wonderful psychologist Rebecca Reidy.

The workshop is a single session of 1.5 hours evidence-based pain management education. It is ideal for women experiencing persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis and adenomyosis as well as other chronic pain.

The workshop is designed to support you to suffer less, live better, and do more of what you enjoy through a ‘whole person’ approach.

To register for the workshop please contact reception on 02 4880 1686

31/10/2025

We now offer a Bulk Billed STI testing clinic, Mondays 2.00pm – 5.00pm.
Many STIs have no visible symptoms, so it is possible to have one without knowing it.
It is important to complete an STI check at the beginning of every new relationship or if you are concerned you may have contracted an STI.
Testing is usually as simple as a urine, self-collected swab or blood test.
The clinic is open to all ages, is youth friendly, non-judgemental and confidential.
Please call us on 4880 1686 for further information

08/10/2025

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycles. This transition can occur at the anticipated age, later in life, or you may encounter premature or early menopause.

During menopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes, typically resulting in the cessation of menstruation. This phase is not just a physical shift but can also bring emotional and psychological challenges.

It's important to listen to your body and acknowledge the changes you are experiencing. You might notice symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood, which can vary widely from person to person.

Creating a supportive environment and maintaining open communication with family and friends can be incredibly helpful. Engaging in regular physical activity and eating a nutrient-rich diet can support overall health and well-being during this time. Additionally, exploring hobbies and interests can provide joy and fulfillment, enriching this new chapter of life.

Remember, menopause is a natural progression that signifies a new beginning filled with potential. Embrace this journey with patience, and don't hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers for guidance and support tailored to your needs.

Book in now for your menopause health assessment. 02 4880 1686