When Ana* travelled from her remote Cape York community to Cairns for prenatal medical treatment, it was the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) team at Mookai Rosie who became her anchor.
Through culturally safe counselling, case management, and intensive advocacy, Ana was able to navigate grief, trauma and complex personal challenges while preparing to welcome her baby.
Mookai Rosie provides health-supported accommodation and maternal health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women travelling from Cape York, the Northern Peninsula Area, and the Torres Strait to give birth in Cairns. Over time, the service recognised that maternity care alone was not enough.
“Mothers didn’t just need clinical support – they needed holistic, wraparound care that addressed everything impacting their wellbeing,” said Theresa Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Mookai Rosie.
“With funding support from Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), we’ve been able to strengthen our Maternal Health and SEWB teams to deliver truly integrated, culturally responsive care,” she said.
Ana arrived carrying layered and complex emotions. Her pregnancy resurfaced trauma related to the stillbirth of a previous child. She was grieving the recent passing of her brother and managing the emotional impact of a relationship breakdown, all while caring for her 18-month-old child away from home.
Her support began with a gentle ‘meet and greet yarn’ with a SEWB Social Worker in the safety of Mookai Rosie’s accommodation facility.
“That first yarn is about listening,” Theresa said. “It’s about building trust, understanding her story and strengths, and creating a space where she feels culturally safe and respected.”
The SEWB team led coordinated case management from the outset. Early needs and risk assessments informed safety planning, which remained central throughout Ana’s stay
Daily check-ins and regular counselling sessions provided emotional support, while advocacy ensured Ana’s voice was heard across multiple services.
“Our SEWB team coordinates internal supports and links with external agencies to address the whole person,” Theresa said. “We liaise with other providers so women aren’t left navigating complex systems on their own.”
Where Child Safety engagement was required, SEWB staff acted as a conduit between Ana and the Department, attending meetings alongside her.
“Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice is embedded in our organisational culture,” Theresa said. “Being present in those meetings reduced Ana’s anxiety and helped create emotional safety.”
Alongside SEWB support, the Maternal Health team provided midwifery-led antenatal and postnatal care grounded in Birthing on Country principles. This included support to attend ultrasounds and specialist appointments, breastfeeding guidance, and practical preparation for labour.
“Our attachment model of care focuses on strengthening the bond between mother and baby,” Theresa said.
“By supporting connection early, we improve birth outcomes and build confidence and emotional wellbeing.”
Before returning home, Ana was linked with community-based counselling and family wellbeing services to ensure continuity of care. Follow-up check-ins were scheduled to support a safe transition.
Theresa said NQPHN’s investment has been pivotal in enabling this coordinated approach.
“NQPHN’s funding has allowed us to sustain key SEWB and maternal health roles and strengthen collaboration with Midwife Nurse Navigators,” she said.
“It means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women receive not only medical care, but culturally safe emotional and social support.”
Theresa said Ana’s story shows what is possible when services work together.
“Despite significant challenges, she remained focused on her children and her own healing,” Theresa said.
“With the right support around her, she was able to move forward with strength and stability.”
Ana’s journey highlights the transformative impact of coordinated, trauma-informed and culturally responsive care – and the critical role of SEWB services in supporting women and families through some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
L-R: Mookai Rosie Acting Health Program Manager Shamma Arora, RN Chem Chu, Receptionist Rebecca Schrieber (back turned)