Birthing on Noongar Boodjar investigated the needs and experiences of Aboriginal women birthing on and off Country in a project that brought together 18 investigators, 13 partner organisations and 11 members of the Aboriginal Advisory Group.   

The research, led by Professor Rhonda Marriot AM, collected evidence which provides a deep understanding of the multiple factors contributing to problems associated with providing culturally secure maternity care for Aboriginal women.  

This includes addressing racism in health settings and strengthening the Aboriginal workforce; and the cultural competence of the whole health system.  

The study found that more Aboriginal midwives and culturally secure models of care in hospitals are critical to closing the gap in maternity care and childbirth outcomes for Aboriginal women and families.  
 
The recommendations from Professor Marriott’s research were presented to the Minister for Health of Western Australia at the time and now Premier, the Hon Roger Cook.  
 
On that guidance, Mr Cook funded the establishment of an Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice at the Women and Newborn Health Service at King Edward Memorial Hospital, which became operational in 2023.  

The new practice at King Edward Memorial Hospital will encourage positive engagement by Aboriginal families with health services by creating a culturally secure maternity services pathway for Aboriginal women.  

This pathway is being co-designed with key stakeholders and Aboriginal community experts. 

This is critical, as pregnancy presents an ideal opportunity for midwives and other health professionals to build respectful and authentic relationships with Aboriginal women and their families. 

The adoption of the recommendations from Professor Marriott’s research is testament to the importance, practical nature and effectiveness of the translational research at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change that she established and continues to lead today. 

Professor Marriott joined Murdoch University in November 2003 as the inaugural Head of the School of Nursing – the first Indigenous person to hold this role in Australia.  

She has since been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame for her tireless work progressing culturally secure healthcare through nursing.