We are proud to recognise Marnie Douglas as Monash Health’s 2026 Midwife of the Year for Excellence in Foundational Nursing and Midwifery Care.
A highly respected clinician, educator and mentor, Marnie has made a lasting difference to families and colleagues across Dandenong Maternity Services.
‘I feel incredibly humbled to have been nominated and truly surprised to receive this award. It reflects the wonderful team I work alongside every day.’
Over 17 years at Monash Health, Marnie has earned a reputation for delivering safe, evidence-based care that improves outcomes for women and babies. She is known for her calm manner, deep expertise and unwavering commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes, particularly in complex or high-risk situations.
‘My journey into midwifery started as a teenager, inspired by a pregnant friend who faced stigma because of her age. I saw how much the midwives in the Young Mums program empowered her. She felt so safe and supported and was able to really thrive.
‘It made me realise midwifery is not only about the science of care, but also the art of human connection.’
A focus on continuous improvement
Marnie’s focus on continuous improvement shapes every aspect of her work, from clinical care to education. She keeps up with the latest research and turns it into practical changes that strengthen care across the service.
Her work to improve perineal outcomes, including reviewing and updating the perineal suturing program in 2025, has helped build the skills and confidence of midwives across the team.
‘Our team values education at every level. We’re all passionate about learning, and everyone has something to contribute.
‘I spend a lot of time supporting our midwifery practitioners, from those starting out to our most experienced midwives. We tailor education to our team’s needs so we can better support the women and families in our care.’
A lifelong learning experience
Marnie is also a generous teacher and role model supporting graduate and early career midwives with patience, professionalism and practical guidance. This creates a safe environment where they feel confident to learn, ask questions and grow.
‘I’m really passionate about education and helping our midwives start their careers with confidence.’
Her contribution to the midwifery education team extends beyond teaching. Through clear communication and strong clinical leadership, she helps create a culture of excellence that benefits both families and employees.
‘For many women at Dandenong, this may be their first interaction with the Australian healthcare system.
Small things like body language, tone and subtle communication can help build confidence in the healthcare system.’
It’s important to remember the pivotal role our midwives play in caring for families.
‘We’re privileged to be welcomed into the sacred place of birth, where families are formed and mothers are created.’
A calm and highly respected leader, Marnie is a standout role model for graduate and early career midwives, and her clinical excellence and commitment make her a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
‘This award reflects Dandenong as a whole. We have a truly special group of midwives here.’
Congratulations to Marnie and our other 2026 NAMAS winners and nominees.
This year’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards and Scholarships (NAMAS) brought our nursing and midwifery community together to celebrate the dedication, compassion and clinical excellence our teams show every day.
