Our story – the Jean Hailes story

Founded in 1992, the Jean Hailes Foundation reflects the enduring legacy that Dr Jean Hailes made to women’s health. Jean had a far-sighted vision to improve the quality of women’s lives and give them practical information based on the best available evidence. She is credited with being the pioneer of menopause management in Australia.

In 1971, Jean established the first women’s health clinic dedicated to midlife and menopause. She had an absolute passion for improving the health and wellbeing of all women. Her expertise and determination to make a difference not only shaped hugely positive outcomes during her lifetime, they also inspired the creation of the Jean Hailes Foundation (now known as Jean Hailes), following her passing in 1988.

Dr Jean Hailes ‘no nonsense’ mantra

In 1980 Dr Jean Hailes published a book called The Middle Years as part of the Amcal Health Information Series. While the subject of her book was about midlife and menopause, and her words were written more than 30 years ago, they are still as relevant today as when she wrote them.

They are a lovely life mantra – and a reflection of the ‘no nonsense’ attitude and sensibility that Jean practised herself, both in medicine and in her own personal life.

• Know the facts – how it affects your body and emotions and what can be done
• Keep yourself fit – in order to have a happy and productive life
• Find a good doctor to talk to – if his or her attitude doesn’t suit you, find one who does
• Ask for a second opinion - it is your body and your life

The new look Jean Hailes – the faces of women’s health

At Jean Hailes we have spent considerable time reflecting on who we are, how we began, what we stand for and the future directions we want to move in. This has allowed us to examine ourselves with a renewed sense of pride; in our values and beliefs, our connection to our history and what we represent, as well as our future ambitions and goals.

It has allowed us the opportunity to reflect on how we present ourselves to the public and how we can do it better to increase our reach and strengthen our identity. We have spent time across our organisation on what we want to be and how we want to get there. What you see today is the result of this work. We have made our visuals stronger and more vibrant, focusing on our connection to, and care for, Australian women.

Content updated 1 September, 2011