Notice of AGM: Friday 14 July 2023 |
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Notice of Annual General Meeting and incorporation of MCA |
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We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Friday 14 July 2023 where we will be finalising our restructuring from an Incorporated Association to Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG). We encourage all members to attend this meeting to discuss the significant transition we are making as an organisation, including our plans for the coming year. A key part of this process will be our granting of DGR status, which will mean we will be able to finally seek funding to uplevel our campaigning. We have big plans in the pipeline and will be applying for grants to help see them through. To read more about our plans for the year ahead, you can check out: our Strategic Plan (developed by our President Peta Tuck), our new website Best Birth Finder helps women find reviews of their local birth services, as well as submit reviews and send feedback to their birth services, and of course, our massive continuous advocacy efforts
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To keep up to date with the restructure, check out our website, or you can contact us with any questions. |
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MCA invited to advise on CPE program Microbirth We are thrilled to be consulting on the new film/course and conference by the founders of Microbirth and will be providing support in educating more women, clinicians and policy-makers on the critical importance of the microbiome. Did you know extensive research has found an increased risk of a number of chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, coeliac disease and allergies for children born via c-section? Find out more at Microbirth. |
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Welcoming the new CEO of Little Sparklers We welcome Elise McMahon to her new role as CEO of Little Sparklers. Elise has been a volunteer at Little Sparklers for a number of years, including as a peer supporter, helping support other parents with their journey moving beyond sleep training. We thank Carly for all the important work she's done as Founder and Managing Director growing Little Sparklers into the pivotal organisation it is today and educating thousands globally about what normal infant sleep looks like. |
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Donate to MCA via Containers for Change We are now participating in the Queensland recycling program Containers for Change. Under the Containers for Change program, consumers can choose to receive a refund for recyclable items, mainly drink containers, they return to depots or donate the funds to a selected non-profit organisation. To donate to MCA via Containers for Change, cite our team member number, C11046239. |
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BBF to be presented at Birth Trauma Awareness event at Lismore Lismore Base Hospital will be holding a free Birth Trauma Awareness event on 18 July (see more info below). MCA's Best Birth Finder will also be featured at the event to encourage women to share their experiences and encourage the NNSW Local Health District to implement measures known to reduce birth trauma, such as continuity of midwifery care and home birth. |
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New info postcard to share: What is a Midwife? As a member of the NSW Maternity Alliance, MCA has partnered with consumers, NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, Australian College of Midwives, Waminda Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, Nowra, NSW Country Women's Association and academics to create this flyer to inform women and their families about the benefits of midwifery care. Please feel free to print and share, and ask us if you'd like us to send some flyers to your organisation. |
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Do you know all the reasons why continuity of midwifery carer is so important? Check out this infographic from Queensland Health. Knowing this data, how can governments provide anything less than this gold standard of care for women? Consider following up with your local MP to advocate for better birth services in your region using our helpful MP briefs. |
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Safer Baby Bundle rollout continues MCA's ACT President, Catherine Bell, has continued to represent consumers on the Safer Baby Bundle rollouts for the ACT and Southern New South Wales Local Health Districts. Feedback regarding language is being taken on board, and SNWLHD, in particular, is asking for comments on drafts and is appreciative of her extensive input on behalf of consumers. |
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Advocating for CoC for all women in ACT MCA's Catherine Bell last month liaised with Maternal Health Matters to write a letter to ACT Health about language and continuity of carer (CoC) in light of a post they made on International Day of the Midwife connected to 'Maternity in Focus' (the Maternity Plan for the ACT). We continue to hold the ACT government to account to increase access to midwifery continuity of care for ALL women as the gold standard of care, as supported by the evidence. |
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Are you interested in becoming a consumer representative and advocating for change in your region? Speak up on behalf of birthing women everywhere and become a member of MCA for as little as $20/year, which includes free consumer rep training. We need your voice! |
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Birth Trauma Awareness Event Lismore Base Hospital will be hosting a free event to raise awareness of birth trauma on 18 July with a star line-up of presenters, including Dr Tane Luna, Rhea Dempsey, Jerusha Sutton, Laura Latina, Jane Hardwicke-Collings, Oscar Serralach and Naomi Jansson. This 3-hour live event will be focused on compassion, self-awareness, prevention and treatment of birth-related and perinatal trauma. Please reserve a spot here. |
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Monthly prize draw: Bare Self pregnancy chocolate! |
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Each month we offer a prize draw for our members, and for the next draw, we are pleased to share we're offering a 3-month subscription of the beautifully packaged Bare Self handmade Pregnancy Chocolate. Bare Self Pregnancy Chocolate is inspired by the divine feminine power of the mother goddess and is the ultimate addition to your self-care routine as you make the transition from mother to maiden. Each block contains blueberry, strawberry, cranberry and a hint of lemon, each providing unique health benefits to support women throughout their pregnancy journey. These ingredients are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, potassium and folate, all of which are known to improve immune function and assist in the healthy development of your growing baby. |
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The winner of this members' prize will be drawn at the end of our next meeting on Friday 14 July. |
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Help us in our fight to make maternity services accountable to the women they serve and become a member of MCA. Thank you so much to our current members for supporting our work. Memberships are our only source of income currently, which is vital for us as a group of volunteer mums with big plans! Membership starts at just $20/year or $30 for two years. Be a part of the change you want to see in the world and join here. |
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