Kellie Brookes, CareFlight Midwife, shares story after International Midwives Day 2025

A Darwin-based midwife has shared her motivation behind helping the Territory’s mothers and bubs, as midwives around the world are celebrated.

CareFlight midwife Kellie Brookes. Picture: Supplied

Growing up, Kellie Brookes did not always want to be a midwife.

“I always just wanted to be a registered nurse, there wasn’t really another thing that I was interested in,” she said.

After spending two years as a flight nurse for CareFlight, Ms Brookes completed a degree in midwifery in 2024, and finds herself now caring for women and newborns as a midwife.

“The more I worked with people around my workplace, and the more I saw things happening, I became pretty inspired by the midwives,” said Ms Brookes, now dual qualified.

“It just became something that I really wanted to do; I really wanted to support mums and newborns … I’ve grown to have quite a big passion for it.”

On May 5, the world celebrated midwives such as Kellie Brookes for International Day of the Midwife. Picture: Supplied

On May 5, the world celebrated midwives like Ms Brookes for International Day of the Midwife, a celebration established in 1992 to recognise and raise awareness about the profession.

“The day is super important,” Ms Brookes said.

“I think most midwives don’t usually like the spotlight, and they do the work they do because they’re deeply passionate about it and love supporting women and their families.

“So it’s not really about the recognition or glory … but I think it’s good for people to know the diversity of midwifery and how to support midwives.”

Ms Brookes said she was particularly fortunate to be working as midwife for CareFlight, despite the unique challenges that may entail.

“I think I’m very lucky to work and see that places that we see,” she said.

Ms Brookes said she was proud to help others in her role as a midwife with CareFlight. Picture: Supplied

“It’s cool that we bring patients to places – say, Darwin Hospital – when they can’t access care themselves or they need care … it’s an incredible job.”

Recognition or not, Ms Brookes said helping others was the reason why she did the job.

“It’s always really nice when we go to communities, and no matter what time of the day or night it is, some of these communities will have a bunch of people out on the tarmac waving goodbye,” she said.

“They’re just so happy that we’re getting their family members or friends to hospital … you can’t put a price on how special that is.

“Being able to get them the help they need on their worst day and make it slightly better is pretty rewarding.”

Originally published as Kellie Brookes, CareFlight Midwife, shares story after International Midwives Day 2025