Two First Nations students at Charles Sturt University have received a significant boost to kickstart their healthcare studies, thanks to scholarships awarded by the Albury-Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS).
The scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, were granted to Bachelor of Nursing students Ms. Lucy Armer and Ms. Dakota Pyle, reflecting AWAHS’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing health-related degrees in Albury-Wodonga.
Mr. Craig Trethowen, Charles Sturt Development Officer for Albury-Wodonga, expressed delight at the scholarships, highlighting their transformative impact in alleviating financial burdens and enabling students to concentrate fully on their academic pursuits.
“Ms. Armer and Ms. Pyle are incredibly deserving of this support,” stated Mr. Trethowen, emphasizing the scholarships’ significance not only for the recipients but also for the broader community as they embark on careers in nursing.
Ms. Armer, currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program, expressed profound gratitude for the financial assistance, recognizing its pivotal role in facilitating her career aspirations.
“This scholarship will allow me to channel my focus entirely on my nursing studies without the added stress of financial constraints,” remarked Ms. Armer.
This year marks a notable milestone for AWAHS as it extends two scholarships, underscoring its steadfast commitment to addressing healthcare disparities among First Nations communities in the region. Mr. Craig Taylor, Chair of AWAHS, emphasized the organization’s mission to improve health outcomes through culturally sensitive services and its investment in nurturing future healthcare professionals.
“Our mission is clear: to enhance health outcomes for the local Aboriginal community,” affirmed Mr. Taylor, highlighting the scholarships as a strategic investment in grooming healthcare leaders who will advocate for and serve their communities.
The recipients will officially receive their scholarships at a ceremony held on Tuesday, 14 May, at Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga. Administered through the Charles Sturt University Foundation since 2013, the scholarships will be disbursed over three years, reflecting a sustained commitment to supporting Indigenous students pursuing healthcare education.
