Mobile Clinic Delivers Free Care to Regional Women
Women across regional Victoria can now access free women’s health care and advice closer to home, with the Allan Labor Government’s mobile women’s health clinic making its way to communities right across the state.
Operated in partnership with BreastScreen Victoria, it is an important addition to the growing number of new, public women’s health services rolling out statewide, with the travelling clinic addressing barriers in accessing care that many women of all ages face living outside of a metropolitan area.
For women from the LGBTIQA+ community, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal women, these access issues can be further compounded, simply because of who they are.
Known as NINA, the van is staffed by a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner who can provide a variety of services, including sexual and reproductive health advice, STI testing and treatment, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) where possible, access to medical abortion (MTOP), and referrals to other healthcare specialists.
In addition to treating immediate health needs, the new service will support referrals for specialist care, as well as to services for mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence.
The clinic is focused on building connections with women, their community and local health services, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations – delivered in an environment that is welcoming, safe and respectful.
NINA will next be operating in St Arnaud (17-28 March), Birchip (31 March-11 April), Warracknabeal (14 April-2 May), and Nhill (5-15 May).
The mobile clinic will soon be complemented by the virtual women’s health clinic, which will offer free, expert medical advice, treatment and care for a range of women’s health needs via telehealth or online.
Both the mobile and virtual clinics are part of the Labor Government’s landmark $153 million women’s health package that is transforming the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.
This includes the delivery of 20 new women’s health clinics, expanding our sexual and reproductive health hub network, doubling the number of laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions, and providing scholarships for more than 100 women’s specialists.
To follow the mobile clinic’s itinerary, please visit breastscreen.org.au/locations/mobile-screening-services.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“All Victorian women deserve to have access to the advice, treatment and care they need no matter who they are or where they live – good health should not be determined by our postcode, background or bank balance.”
“During a time when the cost of living has become an added barrier for many who need to access care, our free mobile clinic could make a lifesaving or life changing difference to thousands of women across Victoria.”
“Our mobile clinic is bridging the service gap we know currently exists in regional and rural areas – making abortion, contraception and other critical care needs more accessible, in an inclusive and culturally safe environment.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/080325-Mobile-Health-Clinic-Now-Delivering-Free-Care-To-Regional-Women.pdf