Leading independent law firm, Johnson Winter Slattery, is advising pro bono client, Waminda, on the establishment of a purpose built Birthing on Country Centre and Community Hub, located on the NSW South Coast.
Waminda is an Aboriginal community-controlled health care service, providing Aboriginal women and their families with health and wellbeing support. Waminda has run a Birthing on Country program since 2018 which aims to provide holistic maternal, child and family health care which integrates cultural integrity and safety during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal care. The program is run by Minga Gugjaga staff at Waminda.
In 2022, the Albanese government pledged A$22 million towards building Waminda's Birthing on Country Centre. With the funding support, Waminda will establish a purpose built birthing facility and will provide culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal Women and their families. The Birthing on Country Centre will provide four birthing suites and wrap around services and support.
The JWS team is being led by partner Christine Ecob with assistance from employment partner Jan Dransfield, tax partner Prashanth Kainthaje and corporate partner Richard Graham. The team has been involved in preparing contracts and agreements in relation to the project. Additionally, JWS has advised on a range of employment law matters as well as providing structuring and tax advice (including registering a charitable trust with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission).
The JWS lawyers will be working with the Waminda team in a continuous effort to ensure the Waminda Birthing on Country Centre is structured in a way which aligns with and complies with the legal framework, regulations and licencing requirements under the Private Health Facilities Act.
Christine said, “It’s been fantastic to support our client on this Australian first project. This project is a significant tribute to the perseverance and hard work of resilient women in the South Coast Community and will ensure Aboriginal women and their families are provided with the best possible culturally informed care.”
About Johnson Winter Slattery
Johnson Winter Slattery is a leading independent Australian law firm with over 80 partners and 6 offices across Australia. We advise major corporates, funds and governments on their most challenging transactions and disputes.