Midwives raise funds

Women from the Broome Midwifery Group Practice put their best foot forward yesterday when they took part in a national fundraising event to support a worthy cause.

The Walk with Midwives took place to coincide with International Midwives Day.

The fundraiser supported the Rhodanthe Lipsett Trust, which provides scholarships and small grants to help indigenous women become midwives.

BMGP participants registered for the event as the Broome Belles and undertook the 5km walk from Gantheaume Point to Zanders at Cable Beach.

They each hoped to raise between $50 and $100.

Speaking before the event, BMGP midwife Judi Turner said it was important to encourage more indigenous women into the profession.

"We realise that we really need indigenous women as midwives for there to be an even better closing of the gap in the care that they receive," she said.

"We've just had our first direct entry Aboriginal midwife start at the Broome hospital within the last few months.

"We hope that local women here will see that as a career path for them."

Ms Turner said it was even easier for women to consider a career in midwifery.

"You don't have to become a nurse first to become a midwife - you can now become a direct entry midwife," she said.

"There is the opportunity if people are already RNs. They can become registered midwives here."

She said other midwives and community members could support the walk by donating at http://www.midwives.org.au by calling her on 0477 364 408.

For more information on the Rhodanthe Lipsett Trust, visit http://www.rhodanthelipsetttrust.com.au.