Six of Australia’s midwifery leaders have been recognized in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year.
ACM President Professor Joanne Gray AM, ACM Members Professor Nicky Leap AM and Professor Sally Tracy AM and Dr Robyn Thompson OAM have been recognised for their distinguished service to midwifery practice, research, education and breastfeeding. Joanne, Nicky and Sally have led the development of the midwifery profession, including leading the design of tertiary midwifery courses, regulation and policy as well as the design and implementation of continuity of midwifery care models, improving outcomes for women and families in Australia. Dr Robyn Thompson is well known for developing the 'The Thompson Method', supporting countless women to breastfeed successfully. In addition Dr Madonna Grehan OAM and Elizabeth Grist OAM have been recognised for their service to midwifery.
Midwives are highly skilled and respected maternity care professionals who provide an important service to women and families at life changing moments. These midwives have worked and continue to work tirelessly to advocate for improvements to maternity service delivery in order to improve outcomes for women, babes and families within a female dominated workforce.
ACM CEO Helen White said “This recognition of the strong female leadership in the midwifery profession in Australia is truly significant. It is so important that the wonderful achievements of no less than six midwifery leaders have been acknowledged in the King’s Birthday Honours List.”