Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

I am a proud Murrawarri woman committed to improving oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. My passion for oral health is grounded in a belief that culturally safe, community‑led care is essential to closing the gap and supporting long‑term wellbeing.

Alongside my studies, I am a member of the Indigenous Dental Association, where I contribute to strengthening representation, supporting Indigenous students, and promoting culturally informed approaches within the dental profession.

I am an Occupational Therapy student at Griffith University, balancing study, placement, and family life as a Mum of three. My experiences, both personally and professionally, have shaped a strong sense of resilience, perspective, and purpose in the way I approach my work.

I have lived across NSW and SEQ, with the opportunity to spend time in remote, rural, and urban communities. Those experiences have given me a unique lens on the world and a deeper understanding of how context, access, and environment shape people’s lives. I’ve also lived overseas completing humanitarian work, which further broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to meaningful, people-centred work.

My name is Maya Benvenga and I’m a proud Gubbi Gubbi women. I’m currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Churchill Campus. My interests in medicine lie in infectious diseases and Indigenous health. During my undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Biomedicine), I have greatly enjoyed engaging in extracurricular activities.  I completed a placement in the microbiology diagnostic laboratory at St Vincent’s, as well as an internship at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, where I worked within an infectious diseases laboratory.

I am a proud Gamilaraay, Wailwan and Wiradjuri young woman.  I am currently in my third year studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong.    I have always admired the way that nurses provide compassionate care towards other patients.   I have really enjoyed studying nursing as it has inspired me to continue to enhance my critical thinking, medical expertise and emotional intelligence.

My name is Sarah Browne and I am a proud Larrakia and Wulna women. My family is from Garramilla (the Darwin region).   I’m currently studying a Bachelor in Paramedicine at Flinders University.    I have always had a passion for helping others and a strong desire to make a difference in the community, just like my mother and Father.   I’m excited to learn over the next few years, new skills, critical thinking and what my limits are as I go through this intensive degree.

Hi my name is Krystal Smith, I am a Nursing student as of 2025, I am very excited to start my new journey into nursing. I am a former childcare educator holding a diploma in early childhood, I was torn between continuing my teaching studies and becoming a nurse and I have come to the conclusion nursing is my passion and my future forever career. Being able to help the people around me when they are in their most vulnerable state means the world to me, knowing that they trust me.

My name is Ky Burgoyne, and I am 18 years old. My Aboriginal tribes are Kokatha from SA and Warrai from the NT. I feel very connected to my family and community as my Aboriginal cultures are an essential part of who I am, and I feel deeply connected to my heritage as a result. The traditions and stories passed down through generations help guide me in everything I do. I am passionate about learning more about my culture and sharing it with others. I am a very active and academic student completing all my schoolwork at a high standard whilst balancing my sporting commitments.

I am a proud Wiradjuri women born and bred on Awabakal/Worimi land Newcastle NSW. My journey into health started young starting at 15 when I got my first job with NSW Health, working at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital as a student based trainee in admin. I spent a couple of years there before moving into a mental health traineeship as an Aboriginal Mental Health Professional trainee with Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health Service, where I’ve been learning and growing ever since.

My name is Tiana James, and I am a proud Darkinjung woman. I completed a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences straight after finishing school through the CDU program, which provided me with direct entry into the Flinders NT Medical Program. I am now in my second year of medicine at Flinders University, working towards a career in rural and remote medicine.

For six years, my family and I travelled across Australia, spending time in remote communities and experiencing first-hand the challenges of healthcare access in these areas.

I am a Tubba-gah woman, who are the traditional owners of the land surrounds of the area now known as Dubbo, NSW. I was born and raised on the land of the Muluridji people and currently live and practice on the lands of Bindal people.

I am a qualified optometrist and work in private practice in Ayr while running after my children.