About QENDO
QENDO was established in August 1988 with a dedicated mission to improve the lives of individuals affected by endometriosis. Over time, its support expanded in 2019 to include adenomyosis, PCOS, and infertility, recognising the interconnectedness of these conditions. QENDO played a key role in developing the National Action Plan for Endometriosis launched in 2019 and continues to advise the Department of Health and related bodies.
QENDO offers support, education, and awareness across Australia and New Zealand, operating the world's only support line for endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, and infertility, along with face-to-face support groups called ‘QENDOMeets’ in over 21 locations. In 2019, they launched the PEACHY KEEN bedding and pyjama range, with proceeds funding their programs, and introduced a Pilot Schools Program to empower the next generation with health knowledge.
In 2020, QENDO launched a free community-developed app for managing and understanding these conditions, quickly reaching top health app charts in Australia and New Zealand. Our organisation formed a Board of Directors in 2022 to develop a strategic plan for the coming years, alongside plans to expand volunteer efforts.
A significant milestone was achieved in April 2022 when $58 million was allocated in the federal budget for endometriosis research and support— the largest investment in the condition to date—thanks to QENDO’s advocacy. QENDO also maintains collaborations with research institutions and likeminded organisations, emphasising our commitment to support, education, awareness, and research advancement.
Our History
Inaugurated in 1988, the Endometriosis Association (Qld) Inc. aimed to provide education, information and support to women affected by endometriosis in Queensland. We established the world’s only endometriosis support line and developed our face to face support groups, called ‘EndoMeets’. From our humble beginning over 30 years ago, we are now known as ‘QENDO’ and support anyone affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or infertility, across Australia. We have also developed a number of relationships and work closely with research facilities and organisations. Our support line is still in operation, and is available for people to use all over the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support anyone affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or pelvic pain. We are passionate about empowering them and their support networks through support, education, awareness and championing research to ensure they feel informed, supported and able to manage their condition.
Advocacy
QENDO has advocated for people affected by endometriosis since 1988.
Feedback from our members resulted in us expanding our support services in 2018 to support those affected by endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, pelvic pain, infertility and painful periods. As a founding member and key organisation responsible for the lobbying and outcomes resulting in Australia’s first Federal Health Action Plan, QENDO is proud to continue to advocate for fundamental needs our community requires to live their life. The National Action Plan for Endometriosis is the first of its kind in Australia. QENDO acknowledges we have a long way to go but we need to start somewhere. We will continue to lobby for additional funds into services to better support patients now and research to better understand endometriosis.
We are currently working on the following advocacy campaigns. QENDO is currently working through a strategic review to prioritise pillars we aim to work on in the coming years. This will be published to our members and on the website.
Our impact
We believe that knowledge is power. QENDO has a global reach and we empower people through support, education and guidance—helping them build their very own toolbox of information.
10+
thousand Dollars Raised
To support research into genomics around the measurement of genetic markers from across the genome to determine the genetic regions associated with risk. Learn more about this research.
35+
Years Serving communities
Our work is like no other. Since August 1988, we have supported those affected through education, support programs, policy change and advocacy.
80+
Thousand australians Impacted
Through our work, we continue to positively impact the community.
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Statement Response
The recent statement by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) on pelvic pain and endometriosis has raised significant concerns within our community. As a leading organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, and persistent pelvic pain (PPP), QENDO is disappointed by the lack of consultation with patient groups and endometriosis organisations in developing this guideline.
SCHOOLS Education - pepp Talk program by ppfa
QENDO raised funds to bring the PEPP Talk Program pilot to Queensland. This was the first step in “testing” the program in the state. Jessica, our President has met with schools, P&C’s, MPs, Governments and other national and state bodies to join forces in brining this program to states across Australia. We continue to present at schools until PEPP Talk is funded and available to Queensland students and will continue to lobby to bring this program into all States and Territories.
endometriosis centres across australia
Access to appropriately trained surgeons, theatre time, education and support is needed to assist those with endometriosis in the diagnosis and management. Our President Jessica has been working with Federal and State governments and local health services to plan Federally recognised endometriosis centres focusing on inclusive and trauma-informed practitioners with outreach support for metro and rural areas as an action from the NAPE.
EDUCATION FOR GP’S & HEALTH PROFESSIONALS and workplaces
We’ve funded, packaged and prepared education resource packs and training for GP’s, health professionals, workplaces and other helping professions. Each year, QENDO sends over 300 resource packs to GP’s across Australia and NZ. Our packs are available to order, free of charge and can be delivered to anywhere across Australia and New Zealand. We’re also delivering health professional training and education and advocating at State levels to fund training for more nurses.
research into what is endometriosis? how does it develop? Why does it grow?
Professor Grant Montgommery has worked for 25 years to understand what endometriosis is, the genetic makeup, how it grows and interacts with the body. We believe this research is fundamental to any future treatment or the possibility of finding a cure for endometriosis. As such, we advocate, raise funds for and lobby for the work Grant and his team do.
ANZCA
We’ve been busy advocating for better care and services across Australia. Recently, we published our response to the ANZCA statement on pelvic pain and endometriosis, calling for a comprehensive approach that includes surgery and better access to specialist services.