Australia’s peak endometriosis body, Endometriosis Australia, is preparing to host it’s Hobart High Tea, Saturday, October 28th, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Waterside Pavilion to raise awareness, support, and celebrate the resilience of the 14% of Australian women, girls, and those assigned-female-at-birth with endometriosis.
Endometriosis Australia advocates for the more than 830,000 Australians living with this debilitating condition, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potential fertility issues.
Research released by the AIHW in September 2023 revealed that 1 in 7 Australian girls, women, and those assigned female at birth are diagnosed with endometriosis by age 44 to 49. Despite the recent AIHW report revealing women are being diagnosed at earlier age due to increased awareness, the average diagnosis period is six and a half years; a long and invasive journey that involves surgical intervention.
Maree Davenport, CEO of Endometriosis Australia, says she hopes that the High Tea will bring attention to the needs of women living with endometriosis in Tasmania, across regional and rural areas.
“In Tasmania, there remains limited access to specialist care for endometriosis. We welcome the announcement of the new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinic in Glenorchy, and we hope this signals the start of more focus placed on women’s health in regional and rural areas. Endometriosis Australia remains committed to advocating for all Australian girls, women, and those assigned female at birth living with endometriosis, who deserve the same access to care and support to ensure better diagnosis and management of their condition.
According to Hobart-based Clinical Psychologist and Endometriosis Australia Clinical Advisory Committee Member Dr Leesa Van Niekerk, “There is so much need for increased support for those trying to manage the pain and associated physical symptoms from suspected endometriosis. The delay in diagnosis impacts many aspects of a person’s life, emotionally, physically, and financially. Those living with endometriosis need greater access to timely and affordable interdisciplinary care, counselling, and support in Tasmania.” she said.
On October 3rd, the Australian Government announced the opening of Tasmania’s first endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in Glenorchy.
The high tea event will allow guests to hear from a number of inspirational Tasmanian speakers, who are leading the way in women’s health and advocacy:
- Dr. Leesa Van Niekerk – University of Tasmania Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist and Member of the Endometriosis Australia Clinical Advisory Committee
- Dr. Kirsten Connan – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
- Olivia Hicks – Endometriosis Ambassador for Tasmania
We are also honored to have special guests in attendance:
- The Hon Jo Palmer, Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence
- The Hon Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs
Endometriosis is a highly costly disease, with estimates placing the cost of endometriosis treatment at $30,000 a year, per patient.
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