Walking beside women and families: celebrating midwives on International Day of the Midwife

Midwifery is a profession grounded in presence, trust and care that reaches far beyond the moment of birth.

For Michelle Warriner, Clinical Midwifery Manager with BiOC North, no two days ever look the same. “I’m an early riser,” she says, often starting her day by checking whether any BiOC babies were welcomed into the world overnight before organising clinics and preparing teams for the day ahead.

Most days involve travelling out to BiOC hubs and hospitals across our community, where Michelle provides clinical oversight of the BiOC North model of care. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams and across three Hospital and Health Services, her role supports continuity of care for families from community to hospital and back again.

“It’s a privilege to stand beside women and families during such important moments in their lives,” Michelle says. That privilege is underpinned by strong relationships – with hospital partners, community services, and the BiOC North team itself. This collaboration ensures that when families are admitted to hospital, they feel supported, respected, and confident that their wishes are clearly communicated and upheld.

Michelle’s commitment to midwifery is deeply personal. Growing up in Augathella in Central Queensland, she saw firsthand how limited access to healthcare can impact rural and remote communities. That experience inspired her to pursue nursing, then midwifery and endorsement, and now further postgraduate study, always driven by a desire to give back.

Over more than 15 years, Michelle has witnessed the first breaths of hundreds of babies. “That never loses its significance,” she says. “If we can make that moment positive, gentle and empowering, it has a lasting impact – not just for the mother, but for her family and future generations.”

As one of Australia’s largest First Nations‑led, Endorsed Midwifery Birthing on Country models, BiOC represents a powerful and transformative approach to maternity care. “We are continually evolving and shaping a model of care that we believe should become the standard for First Nations families across Australia,” Michelle reflects.

Describing the BiOC North team as “family,” she speaks to a workplace that is supportive, connected and deeply committed to meaningful change. “You’ll be supported, you’ll grow, and you’ll be able to work to your full scope in a culturally grounded and genuinely impactful environment.”