Supporting women through life’s most vulnerable moments drives Early Career Midwife Award recipient

She credits her midwifery degree with not only preparing her for clinical practice but also fostering a strong sense of community: “It set me up for real-life scenarios like high-risk pregnancy care, the physiology of birth, and breastfeeding.”

Now, Nicole is continuing her professional development through postgraduate study in drug and alcohol care, with a focus on supporting women experiencing substance use during pregnancy. 

Nicole is the fifth consecutive Southern Cross University alumnus to receive the Our Kids Early Career Midwife Award. She was recognised alongside 2026 Dorothy Edwards Midwife of the Year, Gayeanne Hubbard, who completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education, which is now Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. 

The recognition follows the launch of the Our Kids Paediatric Healthcare Scholarship, supporting a Northern NSW Local Health District staff member – working as a paediatric nurse, midwife or allied health professional – to undertake a Master of Healthcare Leadership at Southern Cross University.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista said midwives were incredibly important to the charity, which supports sick children. 

“Midwives play such a vital role in bringing our little ones into the world and caring for families during those precious early moments,” said Ms Battista. 

“Through the Our Kids Midwives Awards, scholarships and funding for essential equipment, we hope our midwives know they are valued, supported by their community and celebrated for the incredible work they do every day.” 

Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University, Professor Fiona Naumann, congratulated Nicole on her outstanding achievement.  

“Nicole’s success speaks to the exceptional calibre of our midwifery graduates and their commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. We are dedicated to investing in education pathways that keep talent in our region, which is why it is so exciting to launch this new scholarship that will empower midwifes to become healthcare leaders,” Professor Naumann said. 

“Supporting their development locally ensures our communities have access to quality care when it matters most.” 

About Our Kids 

Our Kids is a local charity that raises funds and awareness for children’s and women’s health services across the Northern Rivers, supporting Lismore Base Hospital, Tweed Valley Hospital, Grafton Base Hospital and surrounding facilities. Southern Cross University has proudly supported Our Kids for more than 20 years.