In an exciting step forward, Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) and South Coastal Health& Community Services (SCHCS) are uniting to create a stronger, more impactful organisation that will enhance services, increase opportunities, and expand support for individuals, families, and communities across the south coast corridor of metropolitan Perth.
Having worked in close partnership over the last five years, this merger is a natural progression that will bring together the organisations shared expertise, resources, and values to drive innovation, improve service delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability.
To facilitate a smooth and effective transition, Sexual Health Quarters CEO, Debra Barnes will oversee the merger process, working closely with both organisations’ Boards, leadership teams, staff, and stakeholders. This collaborative approach will ensure continuity, stability, and a shared focus on strengthening services for greater community impact.
Chair of Sexual Health Quarters, Rick Brooks, highlighted the significance of this merger in strengthening services and expanding opportunities:
“By coming together, we are not only ensuring the sustainability of our services but also enhancing our ability to meet the evolving needs of our communities. This merger allows us to build on our shared strengths, explore new opportunities, and create a more resilient and impactful organisation.”
The transition will be carefully managed to ensure continuity of service delivery, with SCHCS service provision continuing as usual under the well-established and trusted names of South Coastal Health and Community Services and South Coastal Babbingur Mia.
Chair of South Coastal Health & Community Services, Libby Soderholm emphasised the importance of collaboration in this strategic move:
“This is a merger built on partnership, shared vision, and a deep commitment to the staff and people we serve. By uniting our efforts, we are positioning ourselves to advocate more effectively, innovate in service provision, and expand our reach to create even greater opportunities and positive impact for the communities we serve.”
CEO, Debra Barnes reinforced the joint commitment to a seamless integration:
“Managing this transition with transparency and collaboration is our top priority.
We will be working closely with our leadership teams, staff, clients, funders, and partners to ensure that this merger strengthens our services, preserves our values and trusted identities, and creates exciting new opportunities for growth and impact in the south coast corridor of metropolitan Perth.”
This merger aligns with both organisations long-term strategic vision for sustainability, service excellence, and community impact.
Debra, Rick and Libby are available for additional comment.
L-R Chair of South Coastal Health & Community Services, Libby Soderholm, Sexual Health Quarters CEO, Debra Barnes, and Chair of Sexual Health Quarters, Rick Brooks.
For media enquiries please contact our Marketing and Communications team.