Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

My name is Nicholas Tedim. I am a proud Gamilaraay man from Walgett, NSW, studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University. My ambition to pursue paramedical studies previously originates from my time spent working in emergency service as a retained firefighter with Fire & Rescue NSW, I have a deep admiration for community service and the healthcare of First Nations peoples within rural and remote communities in which I intend to work upon graduation.

I am a proud Gulidjan woman who grew up in Griffith, NSW. I am currently attending Western Sydney University studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine. In 2017, at the age of 12 I founded a charity called Bambigi that funds First Nations kids swimming lessons in the Griffith region. Over the past 6 years, I have raised enough money to pay for over 300 First Nations kids swimming lessons.

My people are Galari clan, on Wiradjuri Country. I grew up in Condobolin, NSW, and my father, a white stockman/shearer has a small hobby farm on the Garli Bila (the Lachlan River), my mother is a TAFE teacher of Aboriginal Studies. I have two brothers; I am the middle child and grew up very typically for any other country kid, playing netball, pony club, and cricket. It is through growing up in a small rural town that I witnessed first-hand the unjust realities of what it is like to grow up in the bush.

I am Alison Hammond, a final year Oral Health Therapy student and proud Gunaikurnai woman. I was lucky enough to grow up in the East Gippsland region in regional Victoria, and live most of my life there, including completing my high school education and working in the area for many years. After over 3 years working as a dental assistant, I decided I was ready to upskill in the dental field and become an Oral Health Therapist. This involved quitting my job and leaving my family to make the move to Bendigo to attend La Trobe University.

My name is Ashton Embry. I was born in Busselton, WA on Wardandi Noongar Boodja.  I grew up by the ocean and lived in a supportive environment that encouraged me to pursue my aspirations and always advocate for what I believe is right.

My name is Louise and I’m a proud Arrernte woman in my final year of the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine degree at Monash University. I’m passionate about Indigenous health and addressing the ongoing health inequities faced by our communities.

During my studies, I have been actively involved in Indigenous health advocacy through leadership roles within Monash University’s Indigenous and rural health committee, WILDFIRE, first as the Indigenous Representative for two years, before becoming the Indigenous Chair for another two years.

My name is Hayley and I am a proud Kamilaroi and Mandandanji woman studying Physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University. I have grown up in Toowoomba, finishing high school at St Saviour’s College, before relocating to Brisbane in 2021 to be able to complete my degree.

I am a proud Aboriginal man with my ancestors originating on Ngengi Wumirri land on the Daly River in the Northern Territory. I was lucky enough to grow up in Darwin where we’d spend most of our weekends goose shooting the swamps or up the Daly river chasing that big meter barramundi. I competed in many sports such as AFL, touch, rugby union, rugby league and athletics. This is where my love for sport began. With this love for sport I began studying sports and exercise science at JCU in Townsville. Mid-course I transferred to USC on the sunshine coast where I completed the degree.

I was raised in south Gippsland, Victoria, however my family originates from Lunawanna-Alonnah country in Tasmania. I have a deep-rooted passion for occupational therapy that derives from personal experience with an occupational therapist as a teenager, along with a love for helping people.

My name is Tahlia, and I am a proud Gumbayngirr woman of Ngerrie land (South Grafton, NSW). I am currently studying Pharmacy, where I am excited about providing impactful healthcare on the front line to my community. After studies, I plan on relocating back to my homelands to assist the rural and regional healthcare professional shortages, and to lead my community to a positive, inclusive future.

Beyond my studies, I am a representative netball player of Grafton Netball Association and SCALA Netball, as well as a C badged umpire. I love to visit my family and friends back at home when I can, and I enjoy playing the guitar and piano.