An initiative to welcome babies born away from Bourke back into the region has been named as a finalist in the NSW Health Awards, only a few days before it's latest celebration.

The Welcome Baby to Bourke Community Baby Ceremony Day is particularly significant for Indigenous infants.

"(The ceremony) is incredibly important for our babies, especially for Aboriginal babies, as they can be born away from Bourke and that can impact their cultural ties to the land," Pat Canty, Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Manager Aboriginal Partnership in the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Directive said.

The next ceremony is fast approaching - scheduled for 10.30am next Tuesday, September 26 at Bourke's Darling Park.

Families in Bourke and surrounding areas are invited to take part in the ceremony. Infants from birth to two years are eligible to take part. This year is the third Welcome Baby to Bourke Ceremony Day, with the first in 2021 attracting 37 registrations.

“Introducing our babies to community is a traditional practice that has been implemented through generations and it dates back thousands of years. The ceremony is a significant event for our babies to connect to our community, Country and also our Aboriginal Elders,” Ms Canty said.

The project is coordinated by the WNSWLHD Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Directorate and funded by the NSW Ministry of Health. Childhood services and non-government organisations across Bourke also help to continue to make the free ceremony possible.

“The community ceremony is open to all babies up to two years old from Bourke and the surrounding villages, it will include a traditional welcome followed by a formal ceremony," Ms Canty said. "Community Elders will lead most of the ceremony, and parents and carers will also play a major role.”

This litttle girl was welcomed at the ceremony held in Bourke in July 2022.

Bourke Shire Council General Manager, Leonie Brown is supportive.

"With no operating birthing unit at the Bourke Multipurpose Centre resulting in expectant Mothers having to generally travel to Dubbo to deliver their pride and joy(s), the annual celebration to “Welcome

Baby to Bourke Community” is an excellent initiative of the Western NSW Local Health District," she said.

The NSW Health Award winners will be announced later this year, but in the meantime, Ms Canty encouraged all families interested in taking part to register.

“If you would like your baby welcomed to Bourke, please register, as this ensures your child receives a certificate and gift as part of the ceremony,” Ms Canty said.

Interested people can contact Pat Canty at the Bourke Health Service or let a community health staff member know if they would like to attend.