Accredited support for new Wimmera mothers

New Wimmera mothers now have the added reassurance of knowing they are being supported by a World Health Organisation program while caring for their baby. 

For the first time, Grampians Health Horsham’s maternity program has achieved Baby Friendly Health Initiative accreditation, marking a significant milestone for maternity and newborn care in the region. 

This achievement reflects a strong commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care that supports mothers, babies and families to have the best possible start. BFHI accreditation recognises health services that protect, promote and support breastfeeding while also ensuring all families receive respectful, informed and compassionate care. 

The accreditation follows 18 months of dedicated work across Grampians Health services. BFHI coordinators Steph Wallis (Horsham) and Annette Auld (Ballarat) worked closely together to guide staff, strengthen practices and prepare both services for assessment. 

Grampians Health Ballarat has held BFHI accreditation for more than 20 years, providing a strong foundation of experience and leadership throughout the process. This collaboration has helped ensure consistency in care and a shared commitment to excellence across the organisation. 

Ms Wallis said the achievement reflected a true team effort. 

“Becoming BFHI accredited is something of which the entire team should be incredibly proud,” Ms Wallis said. 

“It represents months of collaboration and a shared focus on improving outcomes for families in our community.” 

Annette Auld was complimentary of the teamwork across campuses that helped secure the accreditation. 

“It’s been fantastic to work together across sites, supporting each other through this journey,” Ms Auld said. 

The successful accreditation, achieved in December 2025, ensures families in the Horsham region can feel confident they are receiving care that meets international standards and supports them through pregnancy, birth and early parenting. 

Grampians Health Chief Operating Officer Ben Kelly congratulated all staff involved in the achievement and thanked them for their ongoing dedication to delivering safe, supportive and family-centred care. 

“This is another wonderful example of how Grampians Health is delivering care responsive to local community needs while growing our workforce and enhancing skills and knowledge to support a high performing culture,” Mr Kelly said.