A PASSION for ensuring Aboriginal women and families feel safe, supported and empowered throughout pregnancy and birth has seen Midland midwife Jodee Hollingsworth take the top honour at the 2026 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

The St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospital midwife was named winner of Excellence in Aboriginal Health and the overall winner of the awards.

A proud Noongar woman, Ms Hollingsworth was recognised for her extraordinary leadership and commitment to culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal women and families.

Her own experience receiving culturally safe maternity care inspired her to pursue a career in midwifery.

After joining St John of God Midland in 2022, her impact was quickly recognised with her appointment to the Moort Boodjari Mia (Family Pregnancy House) coordinator role within just 10 months.

Recognising that birthing on Country remains out of reach for many Aboriginal women living within the Midland catchment, Ms Hollingsworth set out to what she describes as “the next best thing” providing antenatal and postnatal care on Country.

Her vision led to the creation of the Moort Boodjari Mia Outreach Van, a landmark initiative which brings maternity care directly into community and helps to overcome barriers such as transport and access to appointments.

Through partnerships with the St John of God Foundation, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and Wen Giving, she helped secure more than $1.5 million to purchase, fit-out and staff the outreach van.

In congratulating Ms Hollingsworth on her outstanding recognition, St John of God Health Care chief nursing officer Janet Jones said being recognised among every nurse and midwife working across Western Australia’s public and private health sectors is an extraordinary achievement – and a first for a St John of God Health Care nurse or midwife.

“Jodee is an exceptional midwife whose leadership, compassion and vision are changing the experience of maternity care for Aboriginal women and families,” she said.

“In true Jodee fashion, she was incredibly humble and genuinely shocked to receive the award. But this recognition is truly deserved. Her commitment to culturally safe care and improving outcomes for women, babies and families continues to make a profound difference in our community.”

Ms Hollingsworth hopes her story will inspire future generations of Aboriginal health professionals.

“In my eyes, I’m just a girl from Balga who had a dream,” she said.

“I am still taking in the honour of being awarded WANMEA’s Midwife of the Year 2026 and Excellence in Aboriginal Health Awards, but this recognition is not a journey walked alone. It stands on the shoulders of so many people who have worked alongside, guided, supported and inspired me along the way, along with those who have challenged me.

“To the midwives who cared for me during my own pregnancies, thank you for showing me the power of kindness, safety and woman-centred care. You helped plant the seed of what would become my life’s passion.”

Congratulations also go to St John of God Health Care midwife Felicity Anderson who was named a finalist in the Excellence in Midwifery category and nurse Leanne Campion recognised as a finalist in the Excellence in Enrolled Nursing category.