In a landmark move for Queensland’s healthcare system, Metro North Health has appointed Tara Denaro as the first-ever Nursing and Midwifery Director, First Nations Women, Children, and Families (Identified).
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The newly established role is a first for the state and reflects a deepening commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through culturally appropriate, family-centred care.
A proud Mununjali woman and an experienced registered nurse, midwife, and child health nurse, Tara Denaro brings over two decades of service across Queensland Health and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health sector. Her professional knowledge is matched by a personal connection to the communities she serves—placing her in a unique position to lead this transformative work.
Community at the Centre
At the heart of Ms Denaro’s new role is a powerful vision: ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children, and families are not only heard, but actively shape the services designed for them.
One of her key priorities is the development of the new Ngarrama Maternity Service at Redcliffe Hospital, set to launch in early 2025. The service will follow a Midwifery Group Practice model, providing continuity of care throughout the antenatal, birthing, and postnatal journey. Importantly, it will be guided by the principles of the Growing Deadly Families Strategy—placing culture, respect, and community connection at its core.
“I strongly believe that improving maternity care, and care for our children and young people will improve longer-term health and wellbeing outcomes as people get older,” Ms Denaro said. “Women, children, and families need to have their voices, their wants and needs, heard and respected.”
This belief is central to how Ms Denaro approaches leadership. In shaping the Redcliffe service, she is working to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, women, and children are actively involved in its design and delivery—building a model of care that honours community knowledge and experience.
Building a Stronger Network of Care
In addition to Redcliffe, Ms Denaro is focused on strengthening collaboration between the three existing Ngarrama Maternity Services across the Metro North region. Her goal is to bring these services together as one united team, sharing expertise and a common purpose: delivering high-quality, culturally informed care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
She also sees her role extending beyond maternity services. By forging partnerships with other child and family support services, she hopes to create clearer pathways for families not currently receiving care through Ngarrama—ensuring no one is left behind.
Looking to the Future
For Tara Denaro, this role is about more than systems and strategy—it’s about nurturing the next generation.
“Our young people are the next generation who will continue our culture into the future, who will be sharing this with their children and grandchildren,” she said. “I am excited to share how our families and communities provide for and cherish our children when we are strong and connected to our culture and each other.”
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Through her leadership, Metro North Health is taking a bold and meaningful step forward—one that places cultural safety, connection, and community voice at the centre of maternal and child health.
Published 16-May-2025
