What’s happening?
James Cook University (JCU) has launched a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery course in Mackay, offering 15 registered nurses the opportunity to gain specialised skills in midwifery. This 18-month program is based at JCU’s Clinical Education Facility in Mackay, with practical training provided at Mackay Base Hospital and Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital.
Why it matters?
The program addresses a critical national and regional shortage of midwives, improving access to high-quality healthcare for expectant mothers in Mackay and surrounding rural communities. By offering the course locally, the program eliminates the need for nurses to travel to Townsville, making upskilling more accessible.
Local Impact
Dr Maude Chapman, Nursing and Midwifery Site Coordinator at JCU Ngudya Yamba (Mackay) campus, highlighted the importance of the program:
“This is a significant step for JCU and the Mackay region as it demonstrates a commitment by JCU to support growing our healthcare workforce. It also demonstrates a commitment to the region by listening to what the community has asked for in that we need more midwives for the region.”
Dr Chapman added that the program extends its benefits to outlying communities, saying, “If we can educate midwives within our region, that also helps to serve our outlying communities like Moranbah, Dysart, Proserpine, and Bowen.”

By the Numbers
- 15 registered nurses are enrolled in the inaugural Graduate Diploma of Midwifery.
- The 18-month course covers the full spectrum of midwifery skills, from pre-birth care to post-natal care.
- Nurses from as far as Emerald can access the program through JCU’s Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
Zoom In
The diploma allows nurses from Emerald and other remote areas to access midwifery education previously unavailable outside Townsville. Dr Chapman explained, “Having the diploma here means we’ve got an uptake of interest from current registered nurses to become midwives, which will improve the quality of healthcare within our region.”

Zoom Out
Australia faces a national midwife shortage, with regional areas particularly affected. Programs like JCU’s Graduate Diploma of Midwifery aim to strengthen regional healthcare systems by building a locally trained workforce, reducing reliance on urban centres, and improving healthcare accessibility in rural areas.
What to Look For Next?
The first cohort will complete the program by mid-2026. Continued success could see JCU expanding its offerings in Mackay to include additional healthcare training programs, further strengthening the region’s healthcare capacity.