MBM clinical van reducing barriers to health care for women in rural and remote communities.
September 2026
The Moort Boodjari Mia (MBM) Outreach Service is delivering promising early outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families.
Since launching its clinical outreach van in February this year, the MBM service has provided culturally safe maternity care directly within communities two days per week, helping women access support closer to home and on Country.
So far, the outreach service has supported more than 30 families, bringing essential maternity care to women who may otherwise face barriers attending hospital appointments. Using a fully equipped clinical van, the team delivers care where it is needed most, helping families stay connected to vital health services throughout pregnancy.
Mothers accessing the MBM service are attending an average of seven antenatal appointments -a 40% increase on the national average of five appointments. Research shows that early and ongoing antenatal care is linked to healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The impact is also being seen in birth outcomes. Babies supported through the MBM program have an average birthweight of 3,556 grams, compared with the national average of 3,271 grams for First Nations babies. Average gestation has reached 39 weeks, supporting healthy development and stronger starts to life.
Beyond the numbers, MBM is strengthening connections with families and communities. The service has seen fewer missed appointments, increased community engagement and growing word-of-mouth referrals, demonstrating the trust being built through culturally responsive care.
These achievements reflect the importance of women feeling safe, respected and supported throughout pregnancy and early parenting.
“We’ve planted the seed, marking the beginning of what I hope will grow into something bigger.” - Jodee Hollingsworth, Midwife and MBM Coordinator
When barriers to care are reduced and relationships are built, families are more likely to stay connected to the health services they need.
The success of the outreach service is also helping shape the future, with planning already underway for additional community health programs.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your support is helping to strengthen access to culturally safe maternity care, contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and babies across Western Australia.
Plus, thanks to donor funding, every family welcoming a baby through the MBM service also receives a Safe Sleeping and Essentials Pack. These practical packs provide valuable support during the early days of parenthood while helping improve the health, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families.
Together, we are helping create stronger beginnings for babies, greater confidence for mothers and healthier futures for generations to come.
This project was made possible thanks to the extraordinary philanthropic support of Government House Western Australia, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and Wen Giving Foundation.
