Report from Joy Johnston The launch at Women's Health Victoria was attended by the guest speakers, several politicians and political hopefuls, a group of mothers and beautiful new babies, ACMI representatives and MC committee members, and Channel 9. Leslie Arnott did a wonderful job as the coordinator of the launch. The launch was given a good report on Channel 9 evening news, and even included some segments from Vicki Chan and Nic Edmonstone's lovely video.
Rhonda Galbally lead into the launch by reiterating some of the sentiments she expressed at the launch of Kerreen Reiger's new book, 'Our bodies, our babies'. She highlighted the lack of activity by Australian feminists in taking a stand on how babies are born and nurtured, and the unacceptable lack of choice that Australian women have in birthing their babies, when compared with other countries. Bobby Carroll spoke passionately about trust between a woman and her known midwife. Prof Jeremy Oates supported the notion of women choosing their model of care, and better use of midwifery skills. The Health Minister, Hon John Thwaites, sent an apology, and was represented by Bob Stensholt MP who is member for Burwood. Bob informed the meeting that the Minister is looking forward to meeting with us in the near future. This is a very positive step, and we will follow up on it - getting an invitation is not easy. Also Mary Draper from DHS was there, and I believe Mary is very impressed by the level of consumer activity around NMAP. Mary's academic work was all about consumer participation in health policy and service provision. Eyebrows were raised when Rhonda pointed out the stack of signed Petition forms on the table, representing the signatures of 10,000 people. The Greens candidate for Melbourne spoke very well in support of NMAP. There was good representation from rural Vic, with ACMI branch executive members from Mildura, Bendigo and Ballarat. They were able to speak to the TV reporter about the support of rural communities for NMAP, and rural women got a mention in the news report that went to air. The NMAP launch in the city was followed by a picnic at Wattle Park. It was very well attended, with 60-70 people. The local newspaper sent a camera man. The local MP, Bob Stensholt, showed up there too, and cuddled a lovely calm home-born baby named Orana for the pictures. Also the Liberal candidate for the electorate came - she was very interested, having birthed her children in a Birth Centre. Andrea Bilcliff and her 2 children Matthew and Claire did a great job organising the picnic, and it was wonderful that so many people were able to come. I look forward to hearing reports on the other launches, and to tangible action being taken as a result of the marvellous groundswell of activity that has come out of NMAP. I want to thank especially Tracy and Barb for their excellent leadership, and everyone else who has contributed. I am proud to be one of the team. Joy Johnston -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
