MBC midwives officially the cream of the crop

The Royal Perth Bentley Group's (RPBG) Midwifery Birth Centre (MBC) has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Australian College of Midwife (ACM) Midwifery Awards in the Maternity Service of the Year category – a significant achievement for Western Australia’s first public, endorsed midwife-led service.

They will find out whether they are a winner on 16 September at an awards ceremony at the ACM National Conference on the Gold Coast. 

For Midwifery Manager Carli Beange who was last year’s ACM Midwife of the Year, the nomination is a great acknowledgement of her team’s achievements over the past 12 months.

“I witness their dedication and professionalism every day. This recognition reflects the countless everyday moments where they go above and beyond providing evidence-based, woman-centred care,” Carli said.

Beyond celebrating the team’s work, Carli explained that the nomination highlights the trust the community places in the MBC midwives who create a safe, supportive space for women and their families.

Established just 18 months ago, the MBC is WA’s first public maternity service led entirely by credentialed and endorsed midwives. The purpose-built facility means women can self refer and offers a model of care that prioritises continuity, autonomy and personalised support.

The team’s excellence has been recognised before, including at the 2025 EMHS Excellence Symposium and through a Women's Healthcare Australasia (WHA) Medal of Distinction. Team member and Endorsed Clinical Midwife Liz Hull was also named the 2026 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards Consumer Appreciation Winner.

Feel-good feedback from women, families and wider community

Carli describes her midwives as having ‘a spirit to continually seek opportunities to learn, innovate and improve the care provided to create a culture of clinical excellence.’

Feedback from MBC surveys consistently shows women are advocated for in the decision‑making process and supported throughout pregnancy and birth. Similar praise flows through Care Opinion forums and in heartfelt thank‑you cards.

“Many women tell us they feel known as an individual rather than a patient, which speaks volumes about the relationships our midwives build,” Carli said.

Current data shows they are excelling in extended breastfeeding support and championing informed decision‑making – two areas that deeply shape women’s experiences long after birth.

Three team members will attend the awards ceremony – Endorsed Clinical Midwife Frankie Finch, Staff Development Midwife Lexie McCutcheon and Carli herself.

Whether they bring home the award or not, the nomination itself is proof the RPBG Midwifery Birth Centre has created something extraordinary.