LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON
FIONA PHILLIPS
MEMBER FOR GILMORE
BIRTHING ON COUNTRY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE ON NSW SOUTH COAST
An Albanese Labor Government will provide $22 million for a dedicated Birthing on Country Centre of Excellence on the South Coast of NSW.
Birthing on Country combines clinical excellence with cultural understanding, which provides holistic maternal, child and family health care that embeds cultural integrity and safety during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period.
The Birthing on Country model has been proven to improve premature birth outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Aboriginal-led Birthing on Country Centre of Excellence will be a dedicated centre as part of the Waminda (South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation) model of care.
Waminda is already providing holistic culturally and medically safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families — and has delivered culturally led comprehensive programs to the community for over 37 years.
Comments attributable to Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore:
‘As a mum of four, I understand that holistic health care and support is critical from pregnancy right through to the early days of welcoming a new, tiny person into your family.’
‘That’s why I am proud to announce Labor will fund Waminda’s vision to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families get the best possible maternity care for generations to come.’
Comments attributable to Linda Burney, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians:
'Closing the Gap means empowering local people to make choices about their health.'
'Too often, First Nations Australians don’t have access to culturally safe services. Too often, child and maternal health outcomes are significantly worse for First Nations Australians than the rest of the population.'
'Waminda is a dynamic organisation deeply embedded in their community. They have earned the trust of women and families at the most important and sensitive time in their lives.'
'This funding will provide a home to their nation-leading service, improve outcomes for women and children, and help Close the Gap.'
