This webinar is facilitated by ACM President Joanne Gray and presented by Melina Connors and Sonita Giudice. The QLD Health strategy sets out the vision that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies in Queensland are born healthy, into strong resilient families. The Strategy focuses on valuing cultural traditions, values and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and listening to the needs of their communities as essential elements to providing culturally focused and safe maternal health services for mothers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies.

Presenters
Melina Connors
Melina is a proud Gurindji woman from the Northern Territory. With over 11 years clinical experience as a midwife and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison officer, Melina’s journey into midwifery was led by identifying the need for creating a healthcare experience that is culturally safe and to make a difference in the care of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander women and families. Melina is committed to the development of best practice when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and in her current role as a Clinical Midwifery consultant within OCNMO, Melina provides cultural and midwifery expertise to support the Hospital and Health Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations in the codesign of midwifery continuity of care models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, babies and families.

Sonita Giudice
Sonita is a proud Gunggari and Wakka Wakka woman from Queensland. Sonita has about 10 years clinical experience as a clinical midwife. Sonita is extremely passionate about providing holistic and culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women and their families. Sonita is committed to providing enriched maternity care and support to First Nations families during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal care. Sonita continues her strong passion and commitment as a Clinical Midwifery Consultant within the Office of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. She provides her expertise with clinical and cultural knowledge to support the codesign of these models of care. Sonita acknowledges it has been an honour and privilege to be closely involved in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander woman’s care, their families, and the community.

More information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/groups/atsihealth/health-priorities/maternity-services

June 2023 GDF Conference - https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/showcase/events/gdf-2023/index.html