Nancy Schmidt, Caroline Joswig and Lotus Appel, who have collectively delivered hundreds of babies locally, provided an inspirational force to those who marched from the Hospital to Peko Park on Mother’s Day last Sunday.

Speakers including Shire President, Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, Anyinginyi midwife, Sue Gray, traditional elder, Bunny Napurula, MLA, Gerry McCarthy and rally organiser, Stephanie Butterworth, addressed the gathering of about 230.

Several other protestors made impromptu speeches, providing convincing reasons why the Northern Territory Government should reopen the Hospital’s maternity ward which was closed four years ago.

The Government cited its inability to attract suitably qualified professionals to Tennant Creek as the reason.

At present, pregnant women are required to travel over 500 kilometres two weeks before their due date to give birth at the Alice Springs Hospital.

Families have reported that the routine is emotionally, financially and logistically stressful.

Ms Butterworth, who is due to give birth to her first baby in September, told the rally people in Tennant Creek would not let the Northern Territory Government take away another essential service and were eagerly waiting on a response to their concerns.

“Be warned,” she said. “This is only the beginning. We will not give up until we can give birth to our babies here in our home town.”

Member for Barkly, Gerry McCarthy, accepted a petition from the group which he plans to present to Parliament at the next Sittings.

He also pledged to pass on the concerns to the Government through the Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis who told the Tennant Times last month that if it was possible to attract a doctor with the right qualifications [obstetrics training] to work in Tennant Creek the Government would provide a “very good package.”