The Albanese Government is investing a further $44.4 million in Birthing on Country services across Australia to continue the great work being done to improve outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies.
The funding will support ten Birthing on Country services to continue delivering culturally safe, community led maternity care for a further three years, through to 30 June 2029.
Funding will continue to flow primarily through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), as well as a small number of universities working in genuine partnership with ACCHS and communities.
Birthing on Country services provide culturally safe, continuous care for women pregnant with a First Nations baby throughout pregnancy, birth and infancy.
Around 1,100 women will benefit from these services each year, in communities with the highest need, across urban, rural, remote and very remote Australia.
Research shows that First Nations led continuity of care models, including Birthing on Country, are associated with:
- a 50 per cent reduction in preterm births
- higher attendance at antenatal care appointments
- increased breastfeeding rates
- significantly lower rates of child protection involvement compared with standard care.
This builds on the Albanese Government’s previous investment of $45.6 million through the Healthy Mums Healthy Bubs – Workforce and Maternity Services grants and supports our commitment to the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan tackling longstanding inequities in maternal, infant and child health outcomes for First Nations families.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“For the 1,100 women who access Birthing on Country services each year, this care supports healthier pregnancies, stronger connections and better outcomes for their babies.
“Closing the Gap means backing what works, listening and working with communities, and investing in care that helps First Nations women have safer pregnancies and gives their babies the strongest possible start.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Birthing on Country services place First Nations families, culture and community at the heart of pregnancy and early childhood support.
“This funding extension ensures women can continue to access trusted, culturally safe care that we know is making a real difference for mothers and babies.
“Birthing on Country is essential to our shared goal of closing the gap in health outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour:
“Giving birth is a critical time in a woman’s life and it is important that Aboriginal expectant mothers have access to healthcare that is culturally appropriate, and also that they receive care by people who understand the woman’s cultural background and connection to country.
“This investment in Birthing on Country shows our real commitment to reaching our Closing the Gap targets. Children are our future and providing the next generation with the culturally appropriate care they need at birth, we give them the best possible chance at success as they grow.”
Birthing on Country Site
- Charles Darwin University - National
Birthing on Country Workforce Innovation Hub+ (National)
Support towards Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations delivering Birthing on Country services by building and strengthening the First Nations maternity health workforce
- Charles Darwin University - NT
Remote Birthing on Country Pilot site
Supporting culturally safe birthing for Galiwin'ku women through the training of a Djäkamirr’s (Doula) workforce.
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health - Qld
Urban Birthing on Country Pilot site
- Waminda – South Coast Womens’ Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation - NSW
Rural Birthing on Country Pilot site
- Southern Cross University - NSW
Building Birthing on Country capacity of regional and remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) through University-ACCHO partnerships with:
Urapuntja Health Service- Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service Limited
- Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Limited - SA
- First Peoples Health and Wellbeing (formerly Access Services for Koories Ltd) - Vic
- South-West Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation - WA
- Galangoor Duwulami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation - Qld
- Central Australian Aboriginal Congress - NT
Remote Birthing on Country Pilot site