History: The Koori Maternity Strategy is a state wide project, aimed at improving the birthing experiences and birthing outcomes experienced by Koori women in Victoria. Following the success of several pilot maternity programs around Victoria during the 1990's, recurrent funding for the provision of sustainable programs and the establishment of new Koori maternity services was allocated in 1999. The main aim of these services is to provide culturally appropriate maternity care to Koori women and align their birthing experiences and outcomes with those experienced by all Australian women.

KMS is funded by:

The Department Of Human Services funds the Koori Maternity Services through the Victorian Maternity Enhancement Strategy.

The Structure of the KMS:

The KMS team consist of 2 workers, a coordinator and a project officer. The role of both these positions entail to:

• Support the midwives and Aboriginal Health Workers who work in the KMS Program.
• To advocate on the behalf of the KMS services and the community
• To advice mainstream organisations to include culturally relevant resources
• To consult with communities
• To create resources specifically for the KMS clients and workers
• To educate and bring awareness of the issues the KMS face to find better solutions

Annual Events:

• Koori Maternity Week- is a celebration of The Koori Maternity Services, every year a celebration is put on for the clients and workers who are involved in the Koori Maternity Services to promote the good work that is done in the communities.
• KMS Reviews- Every year the KMS staff will travel to the KMS sites to review and track the programs progress, these reviews are a great opportunity to find the gaps in the services to address at the annual forums.
• Women’s Business Forum- Is a forum run by VACCHO. The forum varies from training needs to promoting the program.

Publications & Resources:

1. From her to Maternity- A report to VACCHO Members and the Department of Human Services
2. Boorai Bundle- All you need to know about: A Healthy Pregnancy for a Healthy Boorai
3. Well Women Choose Well- a guide to contraception
4. Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies For Koori Communities- A Drug & Alcohol Resource Kit