First Nations women and families across the Loddon Mallee will have greater access to culturally safe maternity care through Dhelkuk Dangatuk Baring (Healthy New Journey), Bendigo Health's new First Nations Midwifery Continuity Model of Care.
Developed in partnership with La Trobe University, local First Nations communities, Aboriginal health partners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), the regional Victorian-first model provides women with a known midwife throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
The service is designed to strengthen trust, continuity and connection to culture, supporting women and families through a relationship-based approach that reflects cultural values, needs and experiences.
Bendigo Health Director Nursing and Midwifery, Women's and Children's Services, Shelley Hardingham, said community voices had been central to shaping the model.
"This journey began in 2024 with a vision to improve outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies and to provide a model of care that honours culture, connection to community and continuity of relationships," Shelley said.
"We've listened to what culturally safe maternity care should look and feel like and built those learnings into the service. When women feel heard, respected and culturally safe, it creates the foundation for holistic care."
The launch recognised the leadership of First Nations Maternity Caseload Project Coordinator Tammy Nancarrow, whose work was instrumental in bringing the model to life.
"Dhelkuk Dangatuk Baring is far more than creating a new service; it is a result of deep listening, courage, collaboration and commitment from our people, for our people," Tammy said.
"This model is the first step for our community, a commitment where the health service walks side by side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, creating a maternity service where women and families feel safe, heard and empowered whilst navigating westernised systems and working alongside our partnering ACCHOs."
The program will be delivered by registered midwives Jas Sloan and Yas Diaz-Martinez, alongside Midwifery Unit Manager Leonie Gilbert. Both midwives bring experience caring for First Nations families and a strong commitment to culturally responsive maternity care.
Speaking at the launch, Dallas Widdicombe, Victorian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, reinforced the importance of creating systems that genuinely support Aboriginal children and families.
"Aboriginal children are not the problem to be fixed. The responsibility sits with us - with governments, services, institutions and systems - to make sure that those systems are safe, accessible, culturally responsive and worthy of the children and families they serve," Dallas said.
"Culture is health. Connection is health. Family is health. Belonging is health."
Meaning Healthy New Journey, Dhelkuk Dangatuk Baring reflects Bendigo Health's commitment to walking alongside First Nations women and families through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, while strengthening connections to culture, family and community.