NSW’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ health centre is taking registrations from the public before its official opening in late March.
Kaleido Health, situated in the Belltower building in Sydney’s South Eveleigh precinct, a two-minute walk from Redfern station, will deliver “inclusive, multi-disciplinary, integrated health care for LGBTQ+ people and their families in NSW across the state”.
The building was expected to open in spring last year but it historic nature meant that the renovations took longer than expected.
LGBTI+ health organisation ACON will manage the service, which, upon opening, will have six GPs working from the centre.
“ACON established the Kaleido Health Centre because our communities deserve the highest level of care designed by us, for us,” said ACON chief executive and Kaleido Health interim CEO Michael Woodhouse.
“Too often we hear stories of people who say they can’t find safe, welcoming care that understands their lives.”
The centre will operate as a mixed-billing facility, with several GP and mental health services requiring a gap fee. Certain services may be privately billed if you lack a valid referral or management plan, or if you are ineligible for Medicare.
However, their peer support, nursing, and in-reach services will be provided free of charge.
“Kaleido Health Centre was created to be more than just a health service – it’s a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where LGBTQ+ people in New South Wales can access high-quality, integrated care tailored to their unique needs,” said Kaelido’s clinical services lead Daniel McCarthy.
“Our hope for Kaleido is that it becomes a trusted and essential part of the community, where people feel seen, respected, and supported in every aspect of their health journey.”
The NSW government has given Kaleido $4.2 million in funding as part of its LGBTIQ+ health strategy.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of the NSW government in making Kaleido happen, particularly Health Minister Ryan Park,” said Woodhouse.
“We also thank our partners in the NSW Health system, especially Sydney Local Health District, who have been crucial to the development of this service, as well as our other partners Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney.”
For anyone seeking further information, Kaleido will have a stall at Fair Day in Victoria Park this Sunday where attendees can register and find out more about the service.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
