Midwives across Tasmania and New South Wales are being acknowledged for their role in supporting women, babies and families through pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, as both states mark International Day of the Midwife.
In Tasmania, the state government has paid tribute to midwives working across public health services, highlighting the combination of clinical care and ongoing support they provide to families during pregnancy and after birth.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said midwives play a consistent role in supporting families through key stages of maternity care, often providing both medical care and emotional support across the journey.
The Tasmanian Government has also pointed to its Midwifery Matters workforce strategy, running from 2025 to 2030, which aims to strengthen recruitment, training and retention across the sector. The plan includes expanding continuity of care models, re-establishing local training pathways, supporting full scope practice and improving access in regional and remote communities.
Archer said the approach is focused on ensuring midwives are supported in their work while improving access to consistent maternity care for women across the state.
In New South Wales, midwives have also been recognised across metropolitan, regional and remote services, with attention on both workforce development and continuity of care models.
Among those highlighted is Tweed Valley Hospital Maternity Unit Manager Michelle Brinckman, a fourth-generation midwife with more than 28 years of experience in maternity care.
NSW Health has outlined a series of ongoing measures aimed at strengthening the midwifery workforce, including expanded midwifery group practices, additional staffing in regional areas, and leadership roles such as a Chief Midwife. Changes to postnatal staffing arrangements are also part of broader service reforms.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said midwives remain central to maternity services across the state and play a key role in supporting families at a significant time in their lives.
“International Day of the Midwife is an important opportunity to recognise and thank midwives for the compassionate and exceptional care they provide to NSW families each and every day,” he said.
“Midwives are at the heart of safe, respectful maternity care, supporting women and families through one of the most important moments of their lives.”
He also acknowledged Brinckman’s long family connection to midwifery.
“Michelle’s story as a fourth-generation midwife is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact and deep connections midwives build within their communities,” Park said.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the incredible work of midwives in our services, making a difference in the lives of women, babies and their families every day.”
NSW Chief Midwife Donna Garland said midwives continue to adapt and improve care through clinical practice, education and research, with a focus on meeting changing needs across communities.
Brinckman said midwifery is a deeply personal profession built on trust and long-term connections with families, with many patients recognising her long after their care has ended.
This year’s global theme, One Million More Midwives, has been used to draw attention to workforce needs and the role of midwives in delivering maternity care across both urban and regional settings.
Across both states, governments are continuing to focus on strengthening workforce capacity while maintaining access to continuity of care for families using public maternity services.
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