Midwifery unit manager Brooke McCullum is one of three from the Weipa Integrated Health Service maternity team to be recognised on the state and national level this month. Photo: Supplied.
It seems 2026 is the year for the maternity team at Weipa Integrated Health Service, with several members recognised for their contributions to quality care for mums and families in the western Cape York region.
Midwifery unit manager Brooke McCullum has been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian College of Midwives (ACM) Midwifery Award, making her the third in just this month to represent Weipa on the state and national level.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised as a finalist for the ACM Midwife of the Year award, and feel especially proud to have the work of rural and remote midwives recognised,” she said.
“Midwifery is such a privilege, and I never take for granted the opportunity to walk alongside women and families through some of the most important moments of their lives, providing continuity of care, advocacy and support.
“I strongly believe in health equity, empowerment and ensuring access to maternity services for all, no matter their location, and the important role that midwives can play in Closing the Gap initiatives and improving outcomes for women and families in rural and remote communities.”
The announcement comes as Weipa Hospital GP obstetrician Dr Jemma Nokes was selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide, and Weipa endorsed midwife Lorraine Woods took home the golden gong as the 2026 Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union Midwife of the Year earlier this month.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service chief executive Rex O’Rourke congratulated Ms McCullum on being named a finalist, and said the recognition was a reflection of her commitment to women, babies and families in remote Cape York and Torres Strait communities.
“Working across the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area requires skill, commitment and an understanding of the unique needs of our communities,” he said.
“Brooke’s contribution is a great example of the difference our health professionals make every day, often in challenging and geographically isolated environments.
“We are incredibly proud to see Brooke recognised at a national level. Her achievement is a credit to her, her colleagues and the communities she serves.”
The winners of the 2026 ACM Midwifery Awards will be announced at the ACM National Conference on 15–17 September at The Star Gold Coast.
