About Us

What we provide

WiRC provides a free and confidential information referral and support service to all women and their families on any issue. WiRC offers a telephone service, and the Centre is open to all those who wish to:

• Drop in for assistance or information from one of our trained staff
• Obtain support and referral to specialist services
• Use our information resources, including brochures, books, journals and other library resources.
• Find out about the Domestic Violence Support Group
• Use our free internet service
• Obtain a free copy of our Calendar for Women with information on courses, workshops and support programs in the ACT
• Co-ordinates IWD Program of Activities Information Sheets

Who can use the service?

Any women and/or her family who need information or support can use the service. No referral is needed. People can phone, fax, email or visit the centre.

Herstory

The Women's Information and Referral Centre (WiRC) was established as a Shopfront Service in 1978 by the Office of Women's Affairs, which was part of the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs and Environment.

The Office changed its name to Office of the Status of Women (OSW) in 1982 and moved to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in 1983.

The shopfront remained the Outreach Service of OSW until it was transferred to ACT Administration in 1985 in preparation for self government. WiRC has been within the Department of ACT Health and Chief Minister's Department before being transferred to Department of Urban Services (DUS) in 1995.

WiRC's Philosophy of Service Delivery

Is based on the premise that information enables informed choice and self-determination.

WiRC views its service delivery as supporting families through women, as the central person in the majority of family units. If women have accurate information and are supported to make their choices, then the ripple effect will be felt through the family and in turn the wider community.

View our Mission Statement (  ) and our Customer Service Charter (   46.5Kb )