The Australian Government is investing more than $100 million to support First Nations mums, babies and children to connect with culturally safe, community-led health services across Australia.
Developed with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, the new models of care commenced on 1 July 2026 and support First Nations families during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood (up to three years of age).
The models of care provide antenatal care, support for healthy birth weight outcomes and support for the broader health needs of mums and babies during this important time.
The investment will support 15 organisations including 14 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, helping more families access care across urban, rural and remote communities.
Replacing the Family Partnerships Program, the new approach gives Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services greater flexibility to tailor care to local needs, supporting self-determination, community-led care and the transition to community control, in line with the government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The new models will support improved maternal and child health outcomes, including healthy birth weights and stronger support for children and families to remain connected to family, community and culture.
First Nations communities are best placed to determine how maternal and child health services are designed and delivered in their local context; and builds on the strengths, expertise and trusted relationships that services have established within their communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
“Closing the Gap means backing what works, listening and working in partnership with First Nations communities and organisations.
“The Albanese Government’s investment in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services recognises their important work in delivering community-led healthcare.
“Ensuring more First Nations women can access trusted, culturally safe health care will support better outcomes for mums, babies and families.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Access to better healthcare for mums and babies is essential to Closing the Gap.
“One size doesn’t fit all and the new models of maternal and child health care places each community’s needs at the heart of their care.
“We know that culturally safe, First Nations-led maternity and early childhood services improve engagement with care and support better outcomes for women, babies and families.
“I thank the First Nations health organisations for their hard work, expertise and commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations people across the country.”
Quotes attributable to Nunkuwarrin Yunti interim CEO, Jodie Stevens:
“For almost 10 years, this program at Nunkuwarrin Yunti has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers, babies and families, building trusted relationships and delivering culturally safe, community-led care.”
“The new model gives us greater flexibility to tailor support to the unique needs and priorities of our community.
“Importantly, it enables us to better integrate this program with our broader mums and bubs services, creating a more holistic and connected model of care that supports families from pregnancy through to a child’s fifth birthday.
“By bringing our services together around the needs of families, we can provide stronger continuity of care, earlier support when challenges arise, and help children grow up healthy, strong and connected to their culture and community.”
Quotes attributable to Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights Director, Professor Yvette Roe:
“This transition represents a generational shift in how Australia supports the health of First Nations mothers, babies and children - putting First Nations health in First Nations hands.
“That means care designed by communities, delivered by communities and accountable to communities, drawing together the oldest continuing knowledge of birthing and child-rearing on this continent with the best of contemporary clinical practice.”
Quotes attributable to Molly Wardaguga Institute, National Support Unit (NSU) for First Nations Maternal and Child Health Services Program Lead, Dr Sascha Kowalenko:
“Evidence has proven that this is how outcomes change: babies are born healthier, mothers are better supported through pregnancy and early parenting, and families and communities are strengthened for the next generation.
“The Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights congratulates the Aboriginal community-controlled health services whose leadership shaped these models, and we look forward to walking alongside the implementing services to support their success.”
| Organisation | Jurisdiction |
| Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service | NSW |
| Greater Western Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (GWACHS) – Blacktown | NSW |
| Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service – Dubbo | NSW |
| Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services Ltd | ACT |
| Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation | NT |
| Danila Dilba Biluru Butji Binnilutlum Health Service Ltd | NT |
| Northern Territory of Australia across four communities (Wadeye, Maningrida, Gunbalanya and Wurrumiyanga) and in partnership with Mala’la Health Services Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida | NT |
| Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation | NT |
| Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd (North) | Qld |
| Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd (South) | Qld |
| Wuchopperen Health Service Limited | Qld |
| Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Incorporated | SA |
| Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Limited | Vic |
| Kimberly Aboriginal Medical Service/ ANFPP | WA |
| Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance | WA |
