2024 Winner: First Peoples Alumnus Award (Griffith Health)
Master of Primary Maternity Care, Class of 2019
Melanie is a descendant of the Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr people and an emerging national leader in Aboriginal-led and community-controlled maternity services. She is currently the leader of the innovative Birthing on Country program, which is recognised as a model for ‘Closing the Gap’.
Why are you proud to be a Griffith alumnus?
I am proud because this recognition is not just for me but for the organisation that I work in, Waminda. I have been supported in developing my skills as a clinician and re-designing maternity services that improve the outcomes for First Nations women and families in my area. This recognition will highlight the hard work that has been done for the last eight years for Birthing on Country, and Griffith University is a major part of this achievement.
Why did you choose Griffith University?
I chose Griffith University because they offered a Master of Primary Maternity Care, which would support my professional development in becoming an Endorsed Midwife. I was supported by Roianne West from the Indigenous Unit and Mary Sidebothom. I most likely would not have completed my studies without these two women.
How did your time at Griffith help shape your career?
I became the first Endorsed Midwife in NSW. I am able to provide maternity care to women in community and support them in the home. Being endorsed is also a benefit for the organisation as I am able to generate Medicare revenue that goes back into the ACCHO to employ other Koori women from the community. It’s another way of giving back for the work that I do.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
My mother inspires me every day. She worked hard. She was the first Aboriginal Health Worker to work in Darlinghurst in the 1990s. She worked very hard and shared lots of sad and happy stories from her role in community. She is definitely my rock, my guide, and my inspiration.
What does a typical day/week at work look like for you?
Chaos! My days are arranged weeks in advance, but when the day arrives, plans change with the women and community needs. I prefer to work this way now; no day is ever the same, and take on whatever walks through the door on the day.
Can you share a specific initiative or project you're currently working on that excites you?
Birthing on Country employs midwives who are endorsed and credentialed to provide intrapartum care within the hospital for our Koori women. It’s the first of its kind in the country, and we are extremely proud of this achievement.
What motivates you to continue striving for excellence in your field?
Seeing women and babies have positive and healing birth experiences, that connect them to culture and wellness. I love seeing the babies when they grow up and walk through the clinics and try to talk… it’s just beautiful. I also love seeing our women use their voices to be treated with respect and dignity. Our women’s voices have been oppressed and powerless for a long time, and to support women to speak up is such a privilege to see and experience.
Can you share a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Allow yourself to be vulnerable. You don’t need to know everything. Rely on others who have the skills and knowledge to guide, teach, and support you. Everyone is strong in their own way, and it’s best to support them in what they are great at!
What role has mentorship played in your professional development?
It plays a huge role. My mentors are my biggest supporters and drivers of change. They continuously push me out of my comfort zone to grow and learn. They are staunch and back me “right or wrong.” They enable me to make decisions and learn from both the good and bad… such inspiring people—I hope to be a mentor to people one day!
Best life book recommendation, and why?
Barefoot Investor – generational wealth is my goal. Our people were never taught to value money, we value land and country. However, to thrive in this world, we must have generational wealth – not just money but generational wellness and wealth.
Want more?
Meet the rest of our 2024 winners and discover how they are making it matter.