The Torie Finnane Foundation (TFF) has marked the 2026 “Top of Oz” fundraising event by celebrating the legacy of Torie Finnane.

Torie was a much loved regional midwife and mother who was deeply committed to safe, high quality care for women and babies in country NSW, and by showcasing real progress in regional maternity care.

Held on 25 January, the climb up Mount Kosciuszko brought together supporters from across the state to honour Torie and acknowledge the critical work of midwives.

150 participants took part in the 2026 event, the youngest just four-years-old, and together they raised $30,000 to drive improvements in maternity care for women, babies and midwives in Southern NSW, where Torie was born. Funds from the event will support training, infrastructure and equipment to strengthen the care women and babies receive across Southern NSW.

Since its establishment in 2021, the foundation has delivered transformational impact across regional maternity services, with a focus on supporting midwives, improving clinical capability and strengthening maternity care.

TFF has invested in training, infrastructure and equipment that now benefits thousands of midwives, nurses and families across four local health districts and 28 sites in rural and regional NSW.

TFF’s first CEO, Helen Paine, said the foundation’s impact reflects Torie’s values and belief in regional care.

“In a short time, the foundation has helped lift maternity care across regional NSW,” she said.

“Torie believed deeply in the capability of regional midwives and nurses and the importance of women receiving exceptional care close to home. Everything we’ve achieved reflects her values, her expertise and her belief in the potential of regional services.

“Top of Oz for Torie is our key community event. We reached our target of $30,000 this year. Along with recognising the important work of midwives, it’s also a really fun family friendly activity to do on the January long weekend,” Ms Paine said.

In addition to direct support for midwives, TFF’s first large infrastructure project is doubling the capacity of the Orange Health Service special care nursery, due for completion by April 2026. This expansion will enhance care for vulnerable newborns and their families across Western NSW.

The Torie Finnane Foundation exists to uplift maternity care for women and babies, beginning in regional NSW.

Guided by four strategic pillars - infrastructure, midwifery professional development, research and essential equipment - TFF works to ensure families receive safe, high-quality care regardless of geography.

As TFF continues to grow its impact, it partners with regional local health districts and regional communities to extend Torie’s legacy. For donations or to learn more visit: www.toriefinnanefoundation.com.au