What’s happening?
Three Mackay Hospital and Health Service midwives have been recognised for their dedication to women, babies and families.
The awards were presented during International Day of the Midwife celebrations on Tuesday, 5 May.
Mackay HHS staff, including the Mackay Base Hospital Women’s Health Unit, gathered to mark the profession.
The event recognised skilled and compassionate care across pregnancy, birth and early parenting.
An awards ceremony was held at Mackay Base Hospital on the same day.
Mackay HHS Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery James William Jenkins said midwives hold a vital role.
“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.
Why it matters?
International Day of the Midwife recognises the role midwives play in maternal and newborn health.
It also highlights their work with women and families during major life moments.
Mr Jenkins said the day recognised the ongoing commitment of midwives.
He said midwives always place women and families at the centre of care.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“It’s through these relationships midwives become trusted members of families and communities,” Mr Jenkins said.
Local Impact
The awards recognised midwives working across Mackay and the Whitsunday region.
Natasha Walters, a registered midwife at Mackay Base Hospital, won the Emerging Midwife Award for postgraduate staff.
Lisa-Maree Foscarini, a clinical midwife at Mackay Birth Centre, received the consumer-nominated Exceptional Midwifery Care Provider Award.
Belinda Korneliussen, a clinical midwife consultant at Mackay Base Hospital, won the Outstanding Nursing and Midwifery and Leadership Award.
Proserpine clinical midwife Shania Lade received the Isabelle Morris Memorial Award.
The award is presented each year at Proserpine Hospital on International Day of the Midwife.
It honours Isabelle Morris, who worked at Proserpine Hospital for over 30 years.
She supported women’s maternal health throughout her career.
By the numbers
- Mackay HHS delivers more than 1650 babies every year, making midwifery care central to local health services.
- The Isabelle Morris Memorial Award honours over 30 years of service by Proserpine midwife Isabelle Morris.
- International Day of the Midwife is marked each year on 5 May across more than 50 nations.
Zoom In
The 2026 award recipients reflected different areas of midwifery practice.
Natasha Walters was recognised as an emerging postgraduate midwife at Mackay Base Hospital.
Lisa-Maree Foscarini was recognised through a consumer-nominated award at Mackay Birth Centre.
Belinda Korneliussen was recognised for nursing, midwifery and leadership at Mackay Base Hospital.
At Proserpine Hospital, Shania Lade was recognised for her work across women’s and family health.
Mr Jenkins said midwifery is rewarding because of the relationships formed with women.
He said those relationships can make a real difference through pregnancy, birth and early parenting.
Zoom Out
International Day of the Midwife is celebrated globally each year on 5 May.
It is co-ordinated by the International Confederation of Midwives.
Across Mackay HHS, the day was used to recognise both clinical skill and compassionate care.
It also highlighted the trust midwives build with families across local communities.
What To Look For Next?
The annual recognition of midwives is set to continue through International Day of the Midwife each 5 May.
For Mackay and the Whitsundays, the awards offer a regular moment to recognise maternity care.
They also keep attention on the people supporting women, babies and families across the region.
