Featuring Kelley Lennon, Jillian Clarke and Kristy Watson, this session will outline the history and purpose of the Guidelines, summarise key updates, and examine their role within the midwifery professional practice framework, including how they support midwifery scope of practice.

Discussion will explore how the Guidelines underpin safe, high-quality, collaborative, and woman-centred care. The session will also highlight resources available to support learning, professional development, and confident use of the Guidelines in practice, with time for attendees to ask questions and engage in discussion.

Presenters
Kelley Lennon
Kelley brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role of Chief Midwife at ACM. Most recently, she served as the Director of Midwifery in the Office of the Chief Midwife Officer at QLD Health, where she provided strategic leadership in planning, coordination, and policy direction for safe and quality maternity care. Prior to this, Kelley was the Principal Advisor in Midwifery at the NSW Ministry of Health, offering expert advice and leadership on issues relating to midwifery, maternity, and child and family health services. With over 30 years of experience in Nursing and Midwifery care, including more than a decade in senior management and leadership positions, Kelley is a highly accomplished leader. Kelley is a long-standing member of ACM who has bought her woman centred approach into all aspects of her career and has a strong passion for midwifery leadership, advocacy and mentoring.

Jillian Clarke
As the ACM Project Lead for the 5th edition of the National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral, Jillian brings deep clinical insight and a strong relational lens to the development of this nationally significant framework. With more than 30 years’ experience across clinical practice, education, leadership, and project management, Jillian has a lived understanding of how consultation, referral, and collaboration shape safe, woman-centred midwifery care across all settings.

Kristy Watson
As the ACM Midwifery Education Manager, Kristy draws on her experience across clinical practice, policy advisory, education, leadership, and research, with a focus on advancing midwifery practice through connection, reflection, and evidence-informed care. Kristy is deeply committed to teaching and learning through nurture, collaboration, and innovation, driven by her passion for accessible maternity care that is inclusive and respectful every time.