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Excellence in maternity care was front and centre across Darling Downs Health, with outstanding midwives recognised as part of International Day of the Midwife celebrations on 5 May.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Darling Downs Health Midwifery Awards, shining a spotlight on clinicians who are providing exceptional care for women and families.
Dalby Midwifery Unit Manager, Kate Fay was named Midwife of the Year, recognised for her exceptional clinical expertise and commitment to delivering high quality rural maternity care.
Widely respected by colleagues and trusted by the women she supports, Ms Fay was acknowledged for consistently providing woman-centred care while confidently managing complex clinical situations in rural settings.
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Alison Broadbent said Ms Fay’s impact extended well beyond the bedside.
“Kate exemplifies everything we value in midwifery – compassion, integrity, courage and innovation,” Ms Broadbent said.
“She leads with calm confidence, supports her colleagues and advocates strongly for women and families, ensuring they receive the best possible care close to home.”
Reflecting on the honour, Ms Fay said supporting women through such significant life moments remained the most rewarding part of her role.
“It is such a privilege to be a midwife, supporting women through their pregnancy, birth and into early parenting. It is truly amazing to witness their strength, resilience and love,”
Dalby Midwifery Unit Manager, Kate Fay
“My role also involves supporting others in the team to deliver a high standard of care, ensuring every woman and her family feel safe, respected, and supported.”
Graduate Midwife of the Year was awarded to Zoe Hamilton, whose passion and innovation have already made a strong impression early in her career.
Ms Hamilton was recognised for her commitment to improving practice and supporting her peers, including establishing a maternity journal club to strengthen evidence-based care, contributing to quality improvement initiatives, and taking on opportunities such as coordinating the International Day of the Midwife Walk.
Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Nicky Taylor Edwards said Ms Hamilton represented the future of the profession.
“Zoe is an exceptional example of what modern midwifery looks like, displaying motivation and strong commitment to improving care for women and families,” Ms Taylor Edwards said.
“She brings warmth and positivity to every interaction while also demonstrating the clinical insight and courage to advocate for safety and better outcomes.”
The day began at sunrise in Toowoomba’s Queens Park, where midwives, colleagues, families and supporters gathered for a symbolic walk coordinated by the Australian College of Midwives, as part of the global One Million More Midwives campaign.
The strong turnout highlighted the unity and pride of the local midwifery workforce, with participants coming together to show their support for the profession.
Ms Broadbent said the day served as an important reminder of the vital role midwives play in the community.
“We know midwifery is an incredibly rewarding profession, but also one we must actively support,” she said.
“Days like this not only celebrate our people but reinforce the importance of growing and retaining a strong midwifery workforce for our communities.”
Toowoomba Hospital was also lit up in purple, joining landmarks worldwide in marking the occasion.