Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park has today visited the site of what will become Australia’s first Aboriginal owned and midwifery-led free standing birth centre.
The Minns Labor Government has committed $45.5 million over seven years for Waminda’s Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre and Community Hub in Nowra, which will support culturally safe holistic maternity care for Aboriginal women and their families in the South Coast region.
Birthing on Country supports Aboriginal women and babies by providing culturally safe continuity of midwifery care including antenatal, birthing and postnatal support.
Birthing on Country models have been shown to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women attending more antenatal visits, being less likely to have a premature birth and being more likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge from hospital.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has worked closely with the South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) to support the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.
Waminda launched the Minga Gudjaga Midwifery Practice with the support of ISLHD in May 2024. This is the first phase of Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative where Waminda’s privately practising endorsed midwives provide labour and birth care to women at Shoalhaven Memorial District Hospital.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The NSW Government is proud to work closely with Waminda to support the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.”
“Birthing on Country models have proven to significantly improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, and Waminda is leading the way for all Aboriginal women to have access to continuous, culturally safe midwifery care, which includes antenatal, birthing, and postnatal support.
“With this major $45.5 million commitment over seven years we can better meet the social, cultural, spiritual and clinical needs of the local community.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:
“This major investment in the Waminda Birthing on Country program reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap for better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
“It is deeply concerning that Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience health inequalities compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts.
“This support for Waminda gives the opportunity for the best start in life for Aboriginal babies and their families for generations to come.”
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:
“I’m really pleased to be part of a government making a landmark investment in a world class facility for our region.
“I’m really proud our government and local health district is increasing access to culturally safe and respectful care for Aboriginal women and families on the South Coast.
WAMINDA’s Minga Gudjaga and Birthing on Country Manager Melanie Briggs:
“Waminda welcomes the Federal, State and Local Governments and their commitment to Birthing on Country to implement and improve the maternal and neonatal outcomes for Aboriginal families on the south coast of NSW.
“The life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people will be significantly improved through care that is culturally safe and respectful through Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative.
“Waminda are honoured to continue our ancestors’ dreams for birthing that is woman centred, sacred and honours LORE and culture at its core.
“Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative is a key milestone for increasing the First Nations workforce that will fundamentally enhance generational wealth and sustainability for our people.”