Australian Town Trains First Midwives in 13 Years

For four years, pregnant women in Biloela had to drive more than 120 kilometers to the nearest hospital just to have their babies. Now, three local students are training to make sure that never happens again.

Biloela Hospital welcomed its first midwifery students in 13 years last month, just weeks after the rural Queensland town's birthing unit reopened. The unit had been closed since 2022 due to a severe shortage of trained midwives, forcing expectant mothers to make the long journey to Rockhampton or Gladstone for deliveries.

Emma Rideout, 24, grew up in Biloela and works as a registered nurse at the local hospital. She never imagined she could pursue her dream of becoming a midwife without leaving her hometown.

"Midwifery was always something I'd had in the back of my mind," Rideout said. "I never thought it would be possible to study here and not have to leave."

Rideout is one of three students in the groundbreaking cohort. She describes the experience as "pioneering" and says working in her rural community confirmed exactly where she wants to build her career.

The reopening of Biloela's maternity services came after years of community advocacy. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasized his government's commitment to regional healthcare, stating that Queenslanders in rural areas "need to know that they matter."

The Ripple Effect

The success of Biloela's program could reshape how rural communities across Australia tackle healthcare staffing shortages. Diane Tamariki, the midwifery unit manager who relocated to oversee the program, has already put down roots by coaching a local netball team, buying a home, and finding a partner.

"It's really hard having to start something from scratch but it's also really rewarding," Tamariki said. She's committed to making the service sustainable for the long term.

Central Queensland Health chief executive Lisa Blackler acknowledges that attracting healthcare workers to regional areas remains challenging. The key, she says, is building a stable core of staff who choose to stay while accepting some turnover.

"We've got to lean in when people show interest in extending their skills and abilities," Blackler said.

Rideout believes the town's greatest recruitment tool is simply showing people what rural healthcare offers. She loves recognizing patients around town and being recognized as their caregiver, creating connections impossible in larger cities.

"I think it's just a great little town," Rideout said. "Just come and see what you're missing."