Canberra’s maternity care workers are encouraged to apply for the ACT Government’s 2025 Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship Scheme. $50,000 is available to fund further study and professional development.

The program offers scholarships of up to $6,750 per person to midwives, doctors, nurses, allied health staff and other eligible professionals involved in maternity care in the ACT. General practitioners providing shared maternity care are also eligible.

To qualify, applicants must be employed by Canberra Health Services, an ACT Government directorate, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, or Tresillian Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre.

Funding will support professional development in priority areas identified in the Maternity in Focus: First Action Plan 2022–2025, including breastfeeding education, perinatal loss and bereavement care, perinatal mental health, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care, and postgraduate courses to become an endorsed midwife.

Other postgraduate study, short courses, workshops, and conferences may be supported if they align with the Action Plan or address a specific workforce need.

Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the scholarships form part of the Maternity in Focus program, aimed at making maternity care more person-centred and developing frontline healthcare workers.

“The ACT Government is investing in our maternity workforce to deliver better health outcomes for families accessing public maternity care,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“Investing in the skills and wellbeing of our maternity workforce is key to retaining experienced professionals, attracting new talent, and building a sustainable, woman and person-centred maternity workforce that meets future demand.”

Applications close on Friday 13 February 2026. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.act.gov.au/open/maternity-in-focus.