Grandmother of all Rallies - Canberra
Description
Dust off your banners. Paint your placards. It's time to rally to protect our birth choices!
#PROTECTBIRTHCHOICES # RALLYFORHOMEBIRTH #GRANDMOTHEROFALLRALLIES
On 1 January 2027, the current exemption allowing second midwives to attend homebirths is due to end. This will cause a catastrophic collapse in access to midwife-supported homebirth in Australia. No second midwives, no homebirth!
Homebirth Australia is calling for an urgent, temporary solution before this deadline so second midwives can continue attending homebirths, followed by a permanent affordable insurance solution in 2027.
We've been told by the government that this isn't going to happen. Only an extraordinary show of public pressure can turn the tide. We need to demonstrate just how much this matters to Australian families, midwives and communities.
JOIN US IN CANBERRA TO DEMONSTRATE THAT BIRTH CHOICE DESERVES TO BE PROTECTED.
Why do I need to register?
Registration is completely free and only takes a moment. We need you to register so we have a rough idea of the number of people this matters to, so we can communicate that to the government and the media. The more attendance we have, the greater our collective power! Please register a ticket for everyone attending in your group.
I'm traveling from out of town. Is there any assistance with transport?
Yes. Once you register, you will be shown a few optional questions. Here you can indicate where you are traveling from and if you would be interested in carpooling or catching a private bus - these are entirely dependent on numbers and whether we can access funding, so more information will be circulated closer to the time.
I can't make it to Canberra. How can I support?
We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate to join us at the Grandmother of all Rallies! However, we acknowledge we are in the middle of a cost of living crisis and for many this may mean attending from out of town or interstate is out of the question.
We have a huge number of local rallies taking place across Australia on Saturday 21st of November, so if you can't make it to Canberra we hope you are able to make it to your closest rally.
More information on local rallies will be available via Homebirth Australia website and social media pages. Otherwise you can email us on coordinator@homebirthaustralia.org
For more info, take a look at our FAQs below.
See you in Canberra!
FAQs
- Why is this event called the Grandmother of all Rallies?
In 2009, over 1000 people rallied in Canberra at the 'Mother of all Rallies' to fight for women's birth choices when homebirth first came under major threat. As a result of that rally, the insurance exemption that allowed second midwives to continue practising was signed. 18 years later, with that same exemption ending and the government refusing to resign, we are once again set to rally around the exact same issue from 2009. Hence, the Grandmother of all Rallies!
- What will happen on the day?
Please gather at the registration point at 10.30am on Tuesday 24th of November. This will give you time to find friends and get yourself organised. The rally will begin at 11am. It will involve a few short speeches as well as some good old fashioned chanting! There may be a few photos with media. We hope to have everything wrapped up by lunch time.
Further event information will be communicated closer to the time.
- What do I need to bring?
Food, water, signs / banners if you would like to use them, suitable clothing to be prepared for the weather (raincoats, sunblock etc), all the friends and family you can muster!
- What if it's raining?
Unless there is a serious weather event forecast, we plan to go ahead rain, hail or shine! Please make sure you check the weather and prepare accordingly.
- Will it be accessible?
Yes - prams and wheelchairs are welcome.
- How will last-minute changes or updates be communicated?
At this stage, all event information will be communicated via email. This may change closer to the time depending on registration numbers. Please keep a close eye on your inbox in the lead-up to the event.
- I am a journalist, PR person or an influencer. How can I help to spread the word?
We would LOVE to hear from you. Please contact us on email, coordinator@homebirthaustralia.org.
- I want to contribute to the rally. Can I donate?
Yes. As we are an entirely volunteer-run organisation, we are so grateful for any donations. 100% of donations will cover transportation costs for buses so we can bring more people to Canberra! You can donate on the registration page. Simply click 'Register' and you'll see an option to donate.
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