Babies welcomed to Country as Aboriginal Midwifery Services marks new chapter 
 

District staff, midwives, families and community members gathered outside the Sister Alison Bush Lounge at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital for the District’s first Sprinkling Ceremony – a cultural celebration welcoming Aboriginal babies born at Sydney Local Health District to Country. 

The ceremony also marked a milestone for the Aboriginal Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), with the team officially receiving its new name, Wiyanga Gurung, meaning “mother and child’’ in the local language. 

Yvonne Weldon, a Wiradjuri woman and representative of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, opened the afternoon with a Welcome to Country. 

“Being respectful is who we are when we unite, just as we're doing here today. We can and we will achieve so much more when we do so together,’’ she said. 

Chief Executive Deb Willcox AM said the ceremony recognised the families who accessed the service and the important role of Aboriginal midwives who provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy. 

“This really is a very special day,” she said. 

“Our Midwifery Group Practice puts mums and families right at the centre ... for Aboriginal women coming into our care, having Aboriginal women care for them, that continuity of care is just so indescribably important.” 

Established in 2023, the program continues to grow, with a team of Aboriginal midwives, midwives, an Aboriginal Clinical Midwife Consultant and an Aboriginal Health Worker providing support throughout the entire journey – before birth, during labour and well beyond the first days at home. 

“It’s not just about the birthing of a baby,” Deb said. 

“It's about empowering women to make the right choices for themselves and their babies, right from the beginning, through labour and beyond. And sometimes, it's when people go home that they need us the most.” 

Wiyanga Gurung was launched alongside a new artwork created for the service by local artist and former Sydney Roosters rugby league player, Taleena Simon. Taleena, who had both of her children at RPA, said the artwork represents the connection between midwives, mothers and babies. 

“This artwork captures the central role of the midwives from Wiyanga Gurung, who unite the unwavering support for mothers, babies and families,” she said. 

“The flowing lines and delicate dots symbolise the midwives’ nurturing guidance throughout the birthing journey ... and the safe, sacred space created for both the mother and child.” 

Sydney Local Health District Principal Midwifery Manager Simone Payn said the service was built with connection at its core. 

“Our midwives work tirelessly within this model to support our First Nations families, and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies born within Sydney Local Health District.” 

The ceremony included traditional dance by the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dance Group and the sprinkling – a cultural practice symbolising connection to Country and community. 

Wiyanga Gurung midwife Candace Dower was also recognised with a gift for her role in establishing and sustaining the service during its early years. 

“Candace is one of the original Wiyanga Gurung midwives,” Simone said. 

“For a long time, she held the fort on her own and has done an amazing thing.” 

Last year, more than 4800 babies were born at RPA and Canterbury Hospital, with more Aboriginal families now choosing Wiyanga Gurung for continuity of care. 

Early next year, staff from Wiyanga Gurung will be easily recognised in new uniforms featuring Taleena’s artwork, further embedding the service’s identity and connection to culture.