Celebrating District midwives through awards and visit from the NSW Chief Midwife.
 

Sydney Local Health District midwives came together at RPA and Canterbury hospitals to recognise International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and celebrate their achievements.

Inaugural NSW Health Chief Midwife Donna Garland also had the opportunity to visit and tour the RPA maternity wards and meet midwives during their celebrations. Donna was joined by Simone Payn, District Principal Midwifery Manager, Ivanka Komusanac, District Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, and Katie Farrell, Principal Advisor of Midwifery, NSW Health.

Congratulations to our well deserving midwives on their achievements, and Happy International Day of the Midwife to all midwives and student midwives!

Maureen Ryan Award for Excellence in Midwifery – RPA Hospital
Torie Prince

Torie is an exceptional clinician, whose presence, professionalism and passion for women-centred care are truly remarkable.

“Torie approaches every aspect of her role with compassion, confidence and a genuine care. It’s a privilege to acknowledge someone who embodies the very best of midwifery practice,” said Hayley Sciuriaga, RPA Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery. 

Torie never shines away from complexity and always places the needs of women first. She delivers consistently high standards, working seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams to ensure care is coordinated, respectful and holistic. Her delivery of culturally safe, trauma-informed care ensures that every woman is heard and treated with dignity.

Communication and respect are at the heart of her practice, and her impact on workplace culture is profound. Her generosity of spirit creates a psychologically safe environment where people feel supported and motivated, and she constantly receives outstanding feedback from midwifery students.

Maureen Ryan was one of RPA and Sydney Local Health District’s most distinguished midwives. The Award encompasses who Marueen was and what it represents to be a midwife and is only possible due to the generous support of Maureen’s husband, Mark, who was present to see Torie receive her award. 

Registered Midwife Award of Excellence – Canterbury Hospital
Jacky Robinson
 

The Award of Excellence recognises a midwife who provides significant contribution to advanced education and development at Canterbury.

“Jacky bring positivity each day and steps in during busy periods. She treats all families with respect, honours each woman’s wishes, and is a trusted source of knowledge for the team,” said Ces Aguilar, Canterbury Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery.

Jacky is an exceptional lactation consultant who delivers culturally safe, evidence-based midwifery care. To broaden educational resources at Canterbury, Jacky delivered extended breastfeeding skills workshops to the community, including support for neurodivergent women, culturally safe and diverse breastfeeding practices,  which received outstanding feedback. She also runs antenatal breastfeeding classes at the hospital and provides outpatient appointments for women needing post-discharge breastfeeding support.

Registered Midwife Elizabeth Martin Excellence in Midwifery Award – Canterbury Hospital
Diana Asomaning
 

A highly dedicated midwife, Diana always has patience and is always eager to assist others. She is recognised as a strong advocate for women and families, consistently supporting colleagues and leading by example.

“Diana demonstrates respect of every woman and family by valuing their cultural, emotional and individual needs. Across all nominations she was consistently described as a role model in her practice and as someone who is always respectful and supportive of peers,” said Ces. 

The Elizabeth Martin Award is for a registered midwife who demonstrates outstanding practice and is consistently described as a role model.

New Graduate Registered Midwife of the Year Award – Canterbury Hospital
Astrid Smith
 

Astrid is recognised for her commitment to woman-centred care, her strong advocacy for informed choice, and her outstanding compassion and clinical skills. She is highly regarded as team player who consistently supports colleagues, demonstrates a strong work ethic and deliveries safe, respectful care that positively impacts the experiences of women and families.

This award acknowledges a newly graduated midwife for their achievements and contributions early in their career.