Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies born across the West Moreton region in 2026 were celebrated alongside their families in a special ceremony recognising culture, community and connection to Country.
The Welcome Baby to Community celebration, held on the traditional land of the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people, brings together families, Elders, community, partners and health staff to honours the region's newest babies.
The ceremony is led by the Jaghu Maternal and Infant Program team, which provides inclusive care to First Nations families, supporting women from when they conceive until their child is five.
Tanika Newton, a Warluwarra woman and Jaghu Aboriginal Advanced Health Worker , said the ceremony was one of the year's most meaningful events.
"Welcome Baby to Community is more than a ceremony. It is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of our little ones, honour their cultural identity and strengthen the connections that will support them as they grow," Ms Newton said.
"These connections begin long before a child takes their first steps. They are nurtured through the stories we share, the knowledge passed down by our Elders, and the love and guidance of those around them."
This year, the team has already supported 70 women and their families and supported 54 births.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a family, a story, and a journey. They represent parents being supported, babies being welcomed into the world, and families being given the opportunity to access care and support when they need it,” Ms Newton said.
Jaghu Aboriginal Advanced Health Worker and proud Kalkadoon and Kuku Yalanji woman Kalisha Soe said it was important to include her nieces in the welcoming ceremony.
“I was born at the Ipswich Hospital, so I’ve been living in this community my whole life,” Ms Soe said. “You don’t see important events like this very often and for me it’s quite meaningful to have a sense of community and culture.
“I wish I had something like this when my son was born. That’s why when I learned about the event, I invited my baby nieces to join, so they get an opportunity to immerse in their culture and heritage.”
Rory Schumacher, a Dunghutti woman, shared how she missed part of her identity growing up and how she wanted to pass down the culture to her children early on.
“I actually didn’t know I was Indigenous until I was 15 years old. For my children to be part of it, it’s everything I missed out on growing up.
“The team at Jaghu are some of the best women I have ever met. I had two children through the clinic, and they were amazing providing continuity of care to our family. I hope they know how much they are loved and what a massive impact they have on people’s lives.”
For more information about our Jaghu Maternal and Infant Program, visit the West Moreton Health website.