The Tasmanian Government congratulates six newly graduated midwives who have been celebrated for their achievements and will now begin working in the profession across our health system.
Graduates have completed their Bachelor of Midwifery through the University of Southern Queensland, which involves an intensive two-year program including academic study, hands-on training and comprehensive clinical placements.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the new graduates will boost the State's midwifery workforce and bring vital knowledge, skills and care to women, babies and families.
"I congratulate these new midwives for their achievement and wish them all the best as they join maternity services across Tasmania,'' Minister Archer said.
"Their education combined with clinical placement experience has equipped them with evidence-based clinical knowledge, as well as the relational skills, essential for supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and the early parenting period."
Minister Archer said the graduation of these six midwives marked the final year of this University of Southern Queensland program being offered in Tasmania, with the University of Tasmania to reintroduce the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery training program in the State from next year.
The University of Southern Queensland's two-year Bachelor of Midwifery has been offered in Tasmania since 2017, with support from the Department of Health. In that time, more than 100 graduates have gone on to work in Tasmanian maternity services.
"Tasmania continues to experience growing demand for midwifery services, and this new group of trained graduates will play a vital role in ensuring our health services continue to meet the needs of Tasmania's growing families,'' Minister Archer said.
"I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering this program in Tasmania since 2017. Your dedication and commitment to educating the next generation of midwives have benefited our health system greatly.
"We look forward to the reintroduction of the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at the University of Tasmania from June 2026, with enrolments expected to open in March 2026."
Chief Midwife and Nurse with the Department of Health, Adjunct Associate Professor Francine Douce, commended the graduates for their dedication and the immediate value they bring to the health system.
"These midwives are joining the profession at a crucial time. Their skills, dedication and commitment to woman-centred care will help strengthen the maternity services relied upon by families across Tasmania,'' Adjunct Associate Professor Douce said.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome them into our workforce and grateful for the compassionate, evidence-based care they will provide to women, babies and families during this deeply transformative time in their lives.
"I wish all students graduating today well as they embark on their careers, and I thank all staff who have supported them throughout their studies."
