Birth Rally / Lobbying / National Women's Organizations

[Roslyn Donnellan - Fernandez]

Dear All   We had a great Rally in Adelaide last Friday to highlight the indemnity issue and the lack of publicly funded midwifery models. Several 100 people, families, midwives, (even staff of DHS !) & as many babies & little people gathered on the lawns outside the Department of Human Services to show thier support for these issues. The organisational efforts of "The Birth Network" in such a short time frame were phenomenol ! Amazing what can be accomplished when everybody is working together. I will forward a copy of my "words on the day" to the list for anybody that is interested, as well as a copy of a letter sent to Jenny Macklin some months ago.   On the issue of support from National Women's Organisations, can people please add the NCW (National Council of Women) to their lists for lobbying. This organisation has branches in every state and territory, with several million members nationally. Most members are older retired women from diverse ranging backgrounds (including business), and many are active in other organisations such as Zonta, Rotary, Lions, Country Women's Association, Church Groups, & have good networks and contacts. The SA Branch of NCW supported AMALG and the ACMI SA Branch throughout their lobbying efforts for proactive amendment and legislative acknowledgement of the midwifery profession in the SA Nurses Act 4 years ago. These women are powerful allies and have voices in many unexpected places, as well as offering much wise counsel on strategy and other matters !   Regards Roz Donnellan - Fernandez Self Employed Community Midwife