2021 - 2022 Projects that the club is funding
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President of the Zonta Club of Mount Barker, Michelle Warwick with Jane Henderson, presenting the gifts bags for the "Young Mum's Project" last week.
Members of the Zonta Club of Mount Barker lovingly put together gifts bags, especially for the mums, joining the newly formed Young Mums Group. Zonta empowers women and girls through service and advocacy. There is no more important role, than that of a mother, so it is great pleasure that we support the young mums social group. |
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Pamper Bags 2020 - Pamper Bags were given to some Mt Barker High School girls.
Club members - Left to Right Michelle Warwick, Robyn Page, Merrilyn & Di.
These are the projects that have been approved for funding this year. If you or your organisation have a project supporting women or girls in the Adelaide Hills that align with the Zonta values and would like financial or volunteer support please contact us.
Bags of Love Project 2019
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One of our yearly projects is called 'Bags of Love'. Members donate items and the club also purchases toiletries, hand creams etc and put in hand bags. The club put together 18 handbags this year on the 1st December we presented them to the Mt Barker Salvation Army to distribute to ladies. Sarah from the Salvation Army accepting the bags from the club Secretary Merrilyn. The Salvation Army Adelaide Hills
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The Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia)
Every ninety seconds a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Approximately 525,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from infections acquired during childbirth. For every woman who dies in childbirth, probably 30 incur injuries and infections - many of which are often painful, disabling, embarrassing and lifelong. 60 million women give birth each year with the assistance of a Traditional Birth Attendant or no assistance at all.
Zonta Birthing kits provide for a clean birthing environment that decreases the risk of death from infection and bleeding. The Zonta Birthing Kit Foundation has now been established - for $25 a year you can be a member of this worthwhile non government organisation - so why not join today!
Through Zonta action - over one million birthing kits have been sent to developing countries so far!
Join us, Zonta Club of Mt Barker for our annual birthing kit assembly morning, (dates will be given upon request) and help save a life.
Every ninety seconds a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Approximately 525,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from infections acquired during childbirth. For every woman who dies in childbirth, probably 30 incur injuries and infections - many of which are often painful, disabling, embarrassing and lifelong. 60 million women give birth each year with the assistance of a Traditional Birth Attendant or no assistance at all.
Zonta Birthing kits provide for a clean birthing environment that decreases the risk of death from infection and bleeding. The Zonta Birthing Kit Foundation has now been established - for $25 a year you can be a member of this worthwhile non government organisation - so why not join today!
Through Zonta action - over one million birthing kits have been sent to developing countries so far!
Join us, Zonta Club of Mt Barker for our annual birthing kit assembly morning, (dates will be given upon request) and help save a life.
Supporting Barefoot Initiative in providing support for low income Afar students
The project is located in the Afar region of Ethiopia which has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, due to the primarily pastoral/nomadic lifestyle of the local people and a history of limited investment in development infrastructure and education. As a result, the number of students from the Afar region who complete Year 12 with high enough scores to enter government-run universities is very low. Students who pass Year 12 but do not obtain a Tertiary entrance score must either repeat Year 12 or attend a private college in order to obtain higher qualifications and have a chance at a professional career – most families do not have sufficient money to fund a course of private Tertiary education. In addition to this, girls in the Afar region are further disadvantaged by expectations of early marriage (as young as 14), thereby not necessarily having the opportunity to complete even their secondary education.
Barefoot Initiative (a South Australian-based NGO operated entirely by volunteers) has been collaborating since 2010 with APDA (i.e. a local indigenous NGO) to support Afar students who have completed high school to study at a tertiary level. They operate a scholarship program aimed at supporting selected Afar students who have graduated from Year 12 to attain a Tertiary qualification and thereby have the opportunity to reach his/her potential. It is also aimed at boosting the number of capable professionals within the Afar region who will work in the area of community health/development and in time become community leaders.
Scholarship support for each student extends over a number of years – i.e. the time it takes to complete their Tertiary qualification as well as support on graduation to find a suitable professional position. Zonta funding would be used to assist with the provision of an annual scholarship to one female Tertiary student.
Zonta Club of Mt Barker are currently in their 3rd year of assisting a young female student called Gumati to study a 4 year degree in Accountancy.
The project is located in the Afar region of Ethiopia which has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, due to the primarily pastoral/nomadic lifestyle of the local people and a history of limited investment in development infrastructure and education. As a result, the number of students from the Afar region who complete Year 12 with high enough scores to enter government-run universities is very low. Students who pass Year 12 but do not obtain a Tertiary entrance score must either repeat Year 12 or attend a private college in order to obtain higher qualifications and have a chance at a professional career – most families do not have sufficient money to fund a course of private Tertiary education. In addition to this, girls in the Afar region are further disadvantaged by expectations of early marriage (as young as 14), thereby not necessarily having the opportunity to complete even their secondary education.
Barefoot Initiative (a South Australian-based NGO operated entirely by volunteers) has been collaborating since 2010 with APDA (i.e. a local indigenous NGO) to support Afar students who have completed high school to study at a tertiary level. They operate a scholarship program aimed at supporting selected Afar students who have graduated from Year 12 to attain a Tertiary qualification and thereby have the opportunity to reach his/her potential. It is also aimed at boosting the number of capable professionals within the Afar region who will work in the area of community health/development and in time become community leaders.
Scholarship support for each student extends over a number of years – i.e. the time it takes to complete their Tertiary qualification as well as support on graduation to find a suitable professional position. Zonta funding would be used to assist with the provision of an annual scholarship to one female Tertiary student.
Zonta Club of Mt Barker are currently in their 3rd year of assisting a young female student called Gumati to study a 4 year degree in Accountancy.
Second Chances SA
This is a new project that the club is supporting this year.
PK Mentoring Camps change young lives!
Since launching as Second Chances SA three years ago, we’ve successfully coordinated 28 PK Mentoring Camps
– providing over 200 camping placements for children and youth with a parent in prison.
For us, these are not just camps but rather unique opportunities to invest time and energy into the lives of young people with difficult
life circumstances, as we build their confidence, encourage them in reaching their goals, teach them life skills and demonstrate positive, good
values and behaviors.
For the PKs (prisoners’ kids) who attend these camps – it is truly life changing. For Michelle* PK Mentoring Camps gave her hope and a new found sense of purpose that she could create a better future for herself. She is now the first person in her family to attend University.
For Simon*, being a part of
PK Mentoring Camps has encouraged him to make good life choices and not follow in his dad and brothers’ footsteps of criminal activity. Simon is now a volunteer leader – playing an important role as a positive role model to his peers.
Les Dennis, Camps Liaison, is passionate about these camps and their impact because he knows only too well what it’s like to grow up with a parent in prison.
“I understand how it feels because when I was a little boy I visited my dad in prison. We come alongside these kids to give them hope and encouragement to make good choices for their own lives. Seeing them grow in confidence and become leaders and mentors to their peers is the greatest reward!”
If you would like to sponsor a PK to attend camp or, if your Community Group, Church or Youth Group would like to sponsor an entire camp and receive full naming rights, contact us at 8272 0323 or secondchances.org.au
secondchances.org.au/
This is a new project that the club is supporting this year.
PK Mentoring Camps change young lives!
Since launching as Second Chances SA three years ago, we’ve successfully coordinated 28 PK Mentoring Camps
– providing over 200 camping placements for children and youth with a parent in prison.
For us, these are not just camps but rather unique opportunities to invest time and energy into the lives of young people with difficult
life circumstances, as we build their confidence, encourage them in reaching their goals, teach them life skills and demonstrate positive, good
values and behaviors.
For the PKs (prisoners’ kids) who attend these camps – it is truly life changing. For Michelle* PK Mentoring Camps gave her hope and a new found sense of purpose that she could create a better future for herself. She is now the first person in her family to attend University.
For Simon*, being a part of
PK Mentoring Camps has encouraged him to make good life choices and not follow in his dad and brothers’ footsteps of criminal activity. Simon is now a volunteer leader – playing an important role as a positive role model to his peers.
Les Dennis, Camps Liaison, is passionate about these camps and their impact because he knows only too well what it’s like to grow up with a parent in prison.
“I understand how it feels because when I was a little boy I visited my dad in prison. We come alongside these kids to give them hope and encouragement to make good choices for their own lives. Seeing them grow in confidence and become leaders and mentors to their peers is the greatest reward!”
If you would like to sponsor a PK to attend camp or, if your Community Group, Church or Youth Group would like to sponsor an entire camp and receive full naming rights, contact us at 8272 0323 or secondchances.org.au
secondchances.org.au/
Girls Dormitory Project
This is a new project that the club will be supporting this year.
Who we are
Sharing with Compassion Inc. are a growing not-for-profit organisation; a passionate group of people dedicated to assisting students in Uganda. Our organisation has completed major works for Hope and Care Primary School, and High Standard Secondary College, and their surrounding communities in the Wakiso and Kaboga districts of Uganda. We have also recently been in contact with Central Christian Secondary College, in regards to how we might best assist their school, and the local community with their future development plans.
Sharing with Compassion Incorporation has raised $18,000 in funding, which facilitated the building of a new girls’ dormitory at the High Standard Secondary College, one of our sponsor schools located in Kateera, Uganda. Our organisation partnered with a Zonta Club in Australia who are part of Zonta International providing advocacy and support to empower women around the world, who generously donated sufficient funds to buy three triple bunks for the dormitory.This will ensure more girls throughout the Kareera area will know have the opportunity to receive a secondary education.
sharingwithcompassion.org.au/
This is a new project that the club will be supporting this year.
Who we are
Sharing with Compassion Inc. are a growing not-for-profit organisation; a passionate group of people dedicated to assisting students in Uganda. Our organisation has completed major works for Hope and Care Primary School, and High Standard Secondary College, and their surrounding communities in the Wakiso and Kaboga districts of Uganda. We have also recently been in contact with Central Christian Secondary College, in regards to how we might best assist their school, and the local community with their future development plans.
Sharing with Compassion Incorporation has raised $18,000 in funding, which facilitated the building of a new girls’ dormitory at the High Standard Secondary College, one of our sponsor schools located in Kateera, Uganda. Our organisation partnered with a Zonta Club in Australia who are part of Zonta International providing advocacy and support to empower women around the world, who generously donated sufficient funds to buy three triple bunks for the dormitory.This will ensure more girls throughout the Kareera area will know have the opportunity to receive a secondary education.
sharingwithcompassion.org.au/
Winning photo in the 2016 What Zonta Means to Me Competition by Merrilyn Farrington titled " Womens' Hands Helping other Women".
Zonta Breast Care Cushions
Project Manager Merrilyn Farrington
Two years ago Mt Barker Zonta group began making Breast Care cushions for women who had had breast surgery after cancer. These cushions are worn like a hand-bag so that the surgery site is protected from the arm. They are made from bright coloured soft poly-satin and filled with a soft polyfill. We have held several sewing mornings, two at Cornerstone College where we cut and sewed the shapes of the pillows and straps, and the others at my home to complete the cushions and package them ready for distribution. Twenty-two years ago I had breast cancer with a mastectomy to follow. At the time, these cushions were not available and I used a make-shift baby pillow, but I certainly appreciate how these lovely soft pillows would have been invaluable and made life more comfortable for me. We distribute the cushions through the local and further afield hospitals as well as with the help of Breast-care Nurses. To date we have made over 100 cushions.
The Zonta Breast Care cushions provide comfort to women (and men) in the post-operative phase of breast surgery. Cushions are supplied to most hospitals in each Area. Distribution in hospitals is by Breast Care Nurses. Throughout the year Zonta Clubs in this District and others in Australia hold sewing bees to make these sought-after cushions. The feedback received from recipients has been positive, with one woman noting that receiving the cushion was a turning point for her in helping to change her outlook and feel more positive.
The Zonta Club of Redcliffe in Queensland has produced an informative DVD called 'Side by Side', specifically designed for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. It comprehensively covers all stages of the breast cancer journey and doesn't just focus on one aspect of treatment.
Join us to sew Zonta Breast Care cushions
Project Manager Merrilyn Farrington
Two years ago Mt Barker Zonta group began making Breast Care cushions for women who had had breast surgery after cancer. These cushions are worn like a hand-bag so that the surgery site is protected from the arm. They are made from bright coloured soft poly-satin and filled with a soft polyfill. We have held several sewing mornings, two at Cornerstone College where we cut and sewed the shapes of the pillows and straps, and the others at my home to complete the cushions and package them ready for distribution. Twenty-two years ago I had breast cancer with a mastectomy to follow. At the time, these cushions were not available and I used a make-shift baby pillow, but I certainly appreciate how these lovely soft pillows would have been invaluable and made life more comfortable for me. We distribute the cushions through the local and further afield hospitals as well as with the help of Breast-care Nurses. To date we have made over 100 cushions.
The Zonta Breast Care cushions provide comfort to women (and men) in the post-operative phase of breast surgery. Cushions are supplied to most hospitals in each Area. Distribution in hospitals is by Breast Care Nurses. Throughout the year Zonta Clubs in this District and others in Australia hold sewing bees to make these sought-after cushions. The feedback received from recipients has been positive, with one woman noting that receiving the cushion was a turning point for her in helping to change her outlook and feel more positive.
The Zonta Club of Redcliffe in Queensland has produced an informative DVD called 'Side by Side', specifically designed for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. It comprehensively covers all stages of the breast cancer journey and doesn't just focus on one aspect of treatment.
Join us to sew Zonta Breast Care cushions
Expect Respect - Eastern Fleurieu School, Strathalbyn
This project aims to reduce the incidence of Domestic Violence in the long term through an Engagement, Educational and Learning Program, which Embeds the learning through Art Work that will then displayed at a Community Celebration on White Ribbon Day.
The Zonta Club of Mt Barker Inc has engaged with The Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School at Strathalbyn where 100 Year 6 students (in groups of 25) have had the opportunity to be involved in workshops on ways to show respect for everyone they meet in their everyday lives with a focus on Communication and Relationships. These have been delivered by a Community Police Woman and Community Mental Health Counsellor. They will apply their learning through Art Work that promotes anti Domestic Violence concepts. These outcomes will be celebrated with the school and wider community on November 25th together with a community shout “Say NO to Domestic Violence” that will be measured in decibels!
This is the largest number of students from any one school who have been exposed to the program so far in South Australia.
Click here for more information.
This project aims to reduce the incidence of Domestic Violence in the long term through an Engagement, Educational and Learning Program, which Embeds the learning through Art Work that will then displayed at a Community Celebration on White Ribbon Day.
The Zonta Club of Mt Barker Inc has engaged with The Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School at Strathalbyn where 100 Year 6 students (in groups of 25) have had the opportunity to be involved in workshops on ways to show respect for everyone they meet in their everyday lives with a focus on Communication and Relationships. These have been delivered by a Community Police Woman and Community Mental Health Counsellor. They will apply their learning through Art Work that promotes anti Domestic Violence concepts. These outcomes will be celebrated with the school and wider community on November 25th together with a community shout “Say NO to Domestic Violence” that will be measured in decibels!
This is the largest number of students from any one school who have been exposed to the program so far in South Australia.
Click here for more information.
Our Home - KERALA ORPHANAGE - Southern India
Written by Project Manager: Merrilyn Farrington
Health and Hygiene products for the BIG GIRLS –
Several years ago my grand-daughter worked as a volunteer at an orphanage in Kerala, southern India. The ages of the children ranged from babies whose parents had died of AIDS, to young adults up to age 18. Some of the children stayed well over the age of 18, and became workers there, or lived there so that they could attend high school or college.
Hannah noted that the little ones often got treats and were well catered for, as were the older ones who attended school. But it was the BIG girls who seemed to be in the most need, and in particular for their personal health and hygiene. There was rarely enough money to pay for the necessities they required for their monthly periods, and so they often had to stay at home or indoors so that they would feel more comfortable. She believed that just a few dollars each month would help pay for the hygienic products they required.
I proposed that we donated enough money for a year’s supply of products that could be purchased in bulk for the girls. As there are more than 15 girls who need these products, the money we send doesn’t go far. However, they are forever grateful for something that we take for granted and is readily available, and they can now go about their normal day as usual.
www.ourhomecommunity.org
The funds we send purchase sanitary items for the young women in the orphanage. Imagine life without them?
Written by Project Manager: Merrilyn Farrington
Health and Hygiene products for the BIG GIRLS –
Several years ago my grand-daughter worked as a volunteer at an orphanage in Kerala, southern India. The ages of the children ranged from babies whose parents had died of AIDS, to young adults up to age 18. Some of the children stayed well over the age of 18, and became workers there, or lived there so that they could attend high school or college.
Hannah noted that the little ones often got treats and were well catered for, as were the older ones who attended school. But it was the BIG girls who seemed to be in the most need, and in particular for their personal health and hygiene. There was rarely enough money to pay for the necessities they required for their monthly periods, and so they often had to stay at home or indoors so that they would feel more comfortable. She believed that just a few dollars each month would help pay for the hygienic products they required.
I proposed that we donated enough money for a year’s supply of products that could be purchased in bulk for the girls. As there are more than 15 girls who need these products, the money we send doesn’t go far. However, they are forever grateful for something that we take for granted and is readily available, and they can now go about their normal day as usual.
www.ourhomecommunity.org
The funds we send purchase sanitary items for the young women in the orphanage. Imagine life without them?
YWPA - Young Women in Public Affairs Award
The Zonta Club of Mt Barker Inc plans to make available in 2019 an Award that acknowledges a Year 12 female student in each of Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School and Mt Barker High School. The selected student in each school is expected to have displayed a high level of leadership and involvement in both their School and wider Community.
www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/YoungWomeninPublicAffairsAwards.aspx
The Zonta Club of Mt Barker Inc plans to make available in 2019 an Award that acknowledges a Year 12 female student in each of Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School and Mt Barker High School. The selected student in each school is expected to have displayed a high level of leadership and involvement in both their School and wider Community.
www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/YoungWomeninPublicAffairsAwards.aspx
Zonta Says No - Join the Campaign to End Violence Against Women
On White Ribbon Day, join us to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of violence against women in our local communities in the Adelaide Hills.
Zonta District 23 have partnered with White Ribbon Australia and will show our support for women everyday but gather as a group on White Ribbon Day, 25th November in Mt Barker.
The White Ribbon Campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.
The Campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women, and to safely and effectively challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
http://www.whiteribbon.org.au
On White Ribbon Day, join us to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of violence against women in our local communities in the Adelaide Hills.
Zonta District 23 have partnered with White Ribbon Australia and will show our support for women everyday but gather as a group on White Ribbon Day, 25th November in Mt Barker.
The White Ribbon Campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.
The Campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women, and to safely and effectively challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.
http://www.whiteribbon.org.au
Mt Barker Hospital – Care Packs
Project Manager - Kerry Nowell
This project was bought about when a young homeless woman was admitted to the Mt Barker Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital with no items. A Social Worker contacted our then President asking if we could assist this young girl. PJs, underwear and toiletries were provided and after consultation with hospital Management this project evolved.
We have put together toiletry packs as per photo which are stored at the hospital to be given to women that are admitted to the hospital that have not personal belongings or homeless. The hospital Management are very appreciative of our club involvement and in this project and have already distributed a few packs to women in need.
Project Manager - Kerry Nowell
This project was bought about when a young homeless woman was admitted to the Mt Barker Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital with no items. A Social Worker contacted our then President asking if we could assist this young girl. PJs, underwear and toiletries were provided and after consultation with hospital Management this project evolved.
We have put together toiletry packs as per photo which are stored at the hospital to be given to women that are admitted to the hospital that have not personal belongings or homeless. The hospital Management are very appreciative of our club involvement and in this project and have already distributed a few packs to women in need.
Bags of Love
Project Manager – Merrilyn Farrington
For two years, our Zonta members decided to forgo their individual end of year Kris Kringle gifts, and use the money to purchase personal and feminine hygienic products that we could then donate to women who were less fortunate than most of us.
Members were very generous with their donations, and we were able to assemble 16 Bags of Love each year – using bags that had been donated by the Mylor CFS Op Shop, which were excess to their needs. These bags were then given out to women at a luncheon organised by a local church, to help make their Christmas a little happier.
This year, rather than again ask members to provide all of the products we needed to complete the bags, we have applied to the membership for funds required to help purchase these products. However, so that we can still donate our Kris Kringle alternative, members will be asked to donate something a little special – ie hand cream, perfume etc., for the bags of love.
Project Manager – Merrilyn Farrington
For two years, our Zonta members decided to forgo their individual end of year Kris Kringle gifts, and use the money to purchase personal and feminine hygienic products that we could then donate to women who were less fortunate than most of us.
Members were very generous with their donations, and we were able to assemble 16 Bags of Love each year – using bags that had been donated by the Mylor CFS Op Shop, which were excess to their needs. These bags were then given out to women at a luncheon organised by a local church, to help make their Christmas a little happier.
This year, rather than again ask members to provide all of the products we needed to complete the bags, we have applied to the membership for funds required to help purchase these products. However, so that we can still donate our Kris Kringle alternative, members will be asked to donate something a little special – ie hand cream, perfume etc., for the bags of love.
Days for Girls
Days For Girls is an ongoing project for our club this year, with the help and instructions from Days For Girls, South Australian Chapter.
A washable Feminine Hygiene Kit for girls/women.
Our Sewing Team from Zonta, will be machine sewing these kits.
The absorbent tri – fold pads and moisture barrier shield last up to 3 years.
These kits add up to “Life Changing Days” for girls/women
www.daysforgirls.org
Days For Girls is an ongoing project for our club this year, with the help and instructions from Days For Girls, South Australian Chapter.
A washable Feminine Hygiene Kit for girls/women.
Our Sewing Team from Zonta, will be machine sewing these kits.
The absorbent tri – fold pads and moisture barrier shield last up to 3 years.
These kits add up to “Life Changing Days” for girls/women
www.daysforgirls.org
Victim Support Service - Staying Home Staying Safe Program
Information to be updated
www.victimsa.org/
Information to be updated
www.victimsa.org/
Closing The Gap
To provide basic Obstetric and Gynaecological ultrasound training to midwives and doctors working in remote and aboriginal communities so that they can provide basic ultrasound services to patients who would otherwise have no access to ultrasound services. This will enable them to implement clinical management, early intervention to improve perinatal mortality and morbidity in remote South Australian Aboriginal communities.
This project addresses the lack of ultrasound in antenatal care in aboriginal women in remote communities. Life threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and low lying placenta can be recognized accurately by ultrasound. Ultrasound is also necessary to accurately determine gestational age of the foetus to plan timing of relocation for delivery, as well as to recognize growth disorders in the baby which can lead to stillbirth or neonatal death if undiagnosed. Remote communities currently have limited or no access to ultrasound services where women are required to be flown over or drive long distances for a basic prenatal scan. Often, a fly in fly out service is available but most of the nurses, midwives and GPs are not skilled in ultrasound scanning. Upskilling local health providers such as midwives and rural GPs can enable them to diagnose life threatening conditions in the mother and baby and implement appropriate measures in a timely manner
To provide basic Obstetric and Gynaecological ultrasound training to midwives and doctors working in remote and aboriginal communities so that they can provide basic ultrasound services to patients who would otherwise have no access to ultrasound services. This will enable them to implement clinical management, early intervention to improve perinatal mortality and morbidity in remote South Australian Aboriginal communities.
This project addresses the lack of ultrasound in antenatal care in aboriginal women in remote communities. Life threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and low lying placenta can be recognized accurately by ultrasound. Ultrasound is also necessary to accurately determine gestational age of the foetus to plan timing of relocation for delivery, as well as to recognize growth disorders in the baby which can lead to stillbirth or neonatal death if undiagnosed. Remote communities currently have limited or no access to ultrasound services where women are required to be flown over or drive long distances for a basic prenatal scan. Often, a fly in fly out service is available but most of the nurses, midwives and GPs are not skilled in ultrasound scanning. Upskilling local health providers such as midwives and rural GPs can enable them to diagnose life threatening conditions in the mother and baby and implement appropriate measures in a timely manner