The Birth Wellness Festival will return to Murwillumbah on August 8-9, 2026, celebrating its fifth year of bringing together women, families, educators, health professionals, birth workers and community members to explore pregnancy, birth, postpartum and early parenting.
This year’s theme, Celebrating Birth, Strengthening Community, Honouring Culture, reflects the festival’s commitment to fostering connection, sharing knowledge and honouring the wisdom and traditions that have supported women and families across generations.
Founded in the Northern Rivers and run entirely by volunteers, the festival is a grassroots, self-funded community event. What began as a small local gathering has grown into a unique annual festival that attracts families, birth workers and health professionals from across the region who share a commitment to supporting women, babies and families during one of life’s most significant transitions.
The festival will open with a Welcome to Country and a special performance by the Kinship Doobai Dancers.
Festival Co-Director Sali McIntyre says the festival is not about promoting one particular model of birth.
‘We believe every woman has the right to choose the birth that is right for her and her family. We are not anti-hospital, or anti-homebirth either. Our role is to provide information, education and support so that women understand their options, trust themselves, and make informed decisions about their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.’
Community, culture and choice
The festival is designed to connect expectant parents with local midwives, doulas, childbirth educators and holistic birth workers. Through inspiring speakers, Birth Talk circles, practical education sessions and community connection, families are introduced to a range of local resources and support networks available throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
A central focus of the festival is to promote physiological birth and helping women understand the innate processes of pregnancy, labour, birth and early motherhood. Organisers hope to give women the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to trust their bodies, participate actively in decisions about their care and approach birth feeling informed and supported.
While much of the festival focuses on supporting women, organisers are equally committed to including fathers, partners and families in the conversation.
‘Birth affects everyone. Strong families begin with supported mothers, but they also depend on informed and involved partners, fathers and communities. We want men to feel welcomed, included and empowered to play an active role in supporting women through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.’
Respectful conversations
Over two days, organisers say attendees will enjoy inspiring speakers, Birth Talk circles, practical education sessions, cultural presentations, a vibrant marketplace, nutritious food, a welcoming Chai Tent, and opportunities to connect with others who share an interest in family wellbeing.
Childminding will also be available, making it easier for parents to participate in the festival while knowing their children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Organisers hope the festival will continue to foster respectful conversations about birth and contribute to a culture where women, babies and families are informed, supported and empowered.
As the festival enters its fifth year, its vision remains to raise consciousness around birth and help create a culture that honours, supports and trusts birth. To create a welcoming space where people can come together to learn, connect, share stories and celebrate birth as a profound and life-changing experience.
