Midwifery Awards Recognise Skill And Dedication To Care

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan, Director of Midwifery and Nursing Operations Susan Sweeney, award winners Lisa-Maree Foscarini, Belinda Korneliussen and Natasha Walters, with Mackay HHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery James William Jenkins. Photo supplied

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Three Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) midwives have been acknowledged for their dedication in delivering skilled and compassionate care to women and their families.

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Mackay HHS staff, including the Mackay Base Hospital Women’s Health Unit, celebrated the midwifery profession and acknowledged the outstanding contributions of their colleagues as part of International Day of the Midwife celebrations on Tuesday 5th May.

The Mackay HHS delivers more than 1650 babies every year so it is very important to recognise the vital work midwives do for women, babies and families, Mackay HHS Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery James William Jenkins said.

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“Having a baby is one of the most significant and memorable events in a parent’s life and midwives play a vital role in helping care for that most precious of gifts,” he said.

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International Day of the Midwife was an opportunity to recognise midwives’ ongoing commitment to maternal and newborn health and always placing women and families at the centre of care.

At an awards ceremony held at Mackay Base Hospital today, three awards were presented to staff acknowledging excellence in the profession.

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The 2026 award recipients were:

• Emerging Midwife Award (Postgraduate)

• Winner: Natasha Walters, registered midwife, Mackay Base Hospital.

• Exceptional Midwifery Care Provider Award (consumer-nominated)

• Winner: Lisa-Maree Foscarini, clinical midwife, Mackay Birth Centre.

• Outstanding Nursing and Midwifery and Leadership Award

• Winner: Belinda Korneliussen, clinical midwife consultant, Mackay Base Hospital.

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Midwifery is a very rewarding career where unique relationships are established with women to make a real difference to their pregnancy, birth and early parenting, Mr Jenkins said.

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“Today we congratulate our colleagues and the recipients of these awards and thank all midwives for your dedication to midwifery and the valued role you play in bringing new life into the world,” he said.

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“It’s a privilege to be there at the beginning of new life as women become mothers and provide the best advice as families embark on the journey of parenthood.

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“Midwives provide a safe place for women to discuss issues and build trusting relationships throughout the duration of pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal care.

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“It’s through these relationships midwives become trusted members of families and communities,” Mr Jenkins said.  

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Each year on International Day of the Midwife, Proserpine Hospital also presents the Isabelle Morris Memorial Award. The award is named in honour of Proserpine midwife Isabelle Morris who worked at the hospital for over 30 years supporting women’s maternal health.

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The award recognises an outstanding local midwife for their dedication and contributions to the health of women, babies and families across the Whitsunday region. This year the award was presented to Proserpine clinical midwife Shania Lade.

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International Day of the Midwife is celebrated each year on 5^th May by more than 50 nations and is co-ordinated by the International Confederation of Midwives.

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