Women’s Health Week – yarn with Annette Houston

It’s Women’s Health Week, a time to honour and uplift our deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – the heart of our communities. As part of Women’s Health Week, we shine a spotlight on Annette Houston to celebrate her contributions to Women’s Business.

This week, we’re focusing on Women’s Business. Our deadly team across the network includes GPs, nurses, midwives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support workers and practitioners, exercise physios and women’s health physios. Together, they create safe spaces for Community to talk about and treat the health issues that impact our women every day. From young women learning about their bodies, to our Elders navigating life’s changes, we walk with Community through every stage of womanhood.

Our team is here to support our Mob with culturally safe care in all areas of women’s health, including:

🩷 referrals to breast cancer screening – early detection saves lives

🧪 cervical screening – quick, safe and important (and can now be self-collected)

💛 endometriosis and pelvic pain – you don’t have to suffer in silence

🔥 menopause – support through life’s natural changes

🤰 reproductive health – fertility, contraception and pregnancy care

🩸 periods and menstrual health – no shame in speaking up

Annette Houston is the Women’s Business Wayfinder nurse at our Moreton ATSICHS clinic.

For over 13 years, Annette has been walking alongside community members through their health journeys. A proud Kamilaroi woman, her commitment to community has always been at the heart of her work – but over time, something became clear.

Annette says, “We needed to prioritise women’s health in a culturally respectful and safe way.”

That realisation sparked a deeper calling. Determined to do more, she undertook further training in screening, contraception and care coordination. It was a decision grounded in care, cultural strength and a drive to uplift the voices and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

“I’ve had the privilege of supporting many women, and recently, the honour of helping to establish and run the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic.” Annette Houston’s dedication is crucial during Women’s Health Week – spotlighting her contributions is essential.

For her, working in the Women’s Business space is about far more than clinical care. It’s about creating trust, safety and understanding.

“It’s allowed me to provide a supportive environment where I can spend time listening to, educating, advocating for and supporting women.”

She speaks with deep respect for the people she works with – both the women in her care and the colleagues around her.

“I feel very privileged to work with an amazing team who also prioritise culturally appropriate and respectful healthcare.”

When asked what advice she’d give to others thinking about specialising in Women’s Business, her response is full of warmth and encouragement.

“Give it a go! Women’s Business is an exciting area, especially with the growing government focus on women’s health and increased funding for things like endometriosis and menopause.”

And for those who are just starting out?

“Build your knowledge, yarn with Community to see what they want and need, and take the time to listen and explain things in a way that will be understood.”

Because in the end, it’s about more than health – it’s about connection, culture and empowering women to thrive. Find out more about Women’s Business.