Fri. Nov 8th, 2024

Its back! A $10,000 boost is on offer for local health students, with applications now open for two long running scholarships. 

Supporting second year medical, allied health and nursing students from the Warialda, Bingara, Moree and Collarenebri districts; the Dr William K Hunter and Healthy Communities scholarships will provide two years of funds to assist with accommodation, textbooks and other university costs. 

“All rural areas have shortages of health professionals in all categories,” scholarship namesake Dr William Hunter said. He estimated that around 60 NSW towns were without doctors, and very few had obstetric services.  

“Graduates from rural towns are more likely to return there than city compatriots. We also know that students in rural towns have to contend with higher transport and accommodation costs to attend the city-based courses,” he said. 

“These scholarships are to help alleviate these costs as well as encourage local students to have a go.” 

First established in 2004, the Dr Hunter scholarship is now an initiative of local non-profit HealthWISE as part of their Barwon Health Alliance program, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for current and future primary health care workers in the Barwon region.  

The HealthWISE program commenced in July to continue the work of the Barwon Health Alliance Inc, a support network and non-profit association for Barwon health professionals which ceased operations this year. 

The Healthy Communities scholarship is one of a number of medical scholarships the Gwydir Cotton Growers Association (CGA) has funded over the past 25 years. Gwydir CGA committee member Liam Winter said the two scholarships shared the common goal of supporting local medical students and creating a stronger and more viable health sector. 

“It’s a real privilege to get this recognition,” 2024 Dr Hunter scholarship winner and Charles Sturt Doctor of Medicine student Madelyn Johnson said. 

In her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of New England, 2024 Healthy Communities winner Morgan O’Dempsey was also delighted with the opportunity. 

A partnership between Gwydir CGA and HealthWISE means that students can fill out just one application to apply for both scholarships.  

Applicants must be Australian citizens in their second year or above of an undergraduate medical, allied health or nursing degree at any Australian university, and cannot currently be receiving payments from another scholarship.

A two-week student placement in Moree, Bingara, Warialda or Collarenebri and a second in a rural/regional town will be required for successful applicants. To learn more or receive an application form, email barwonha@healthwise.org.au or call 6752 7196.

Applications for the 2025 scholarships will close on October 11, 2024


Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.