Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

My name is Madison Ludwig. I am a proud Gurindji and Kungarakan woman from Darwin, Northern Territory. I have spent most of my life living in Darwin, but did relocate to Perth to study my undergraduate degree in Nursing. Since high school, I knew that I wanted to one day work in healthcare and after 4 years of nursing, I decided to make the move across and study medicine, and am now in my final year

My name is Jamiliah Bin Swani, a Bard descendant from Lombadina Community located in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. I am also a Samsep descendant with ties to Erub Island in the Torres Strait Islands. After 4 years of working as an Aboriginal Health Worker in primary healthcare clinics across the Kimberley, I was inspired to further my education as a Registered Nurse so that I could improve the health care system for Indigenous people. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame, Fremantle and am passionate about health and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

My name is Logan Walsh, and I am a proud Kamilaroi man, who grew up in Roma on the traditional lands of the Mandandanji people in Southwest Queensland. I graduated from St Johns School in 2022 which is where I spent my whole primary and secondary school years – from Prep right through to year 12. In 2023 I moved to Brisbane to begin my university journey at ACU and started studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Currently I am in my second year of university and am really enjoying my degree.

My name is Melissa Kelly, a proud Bundjalung woman from Lismore with connections to Aniwan, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr. Currently in my second year studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) at Charles Sturt University.

I am an Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee working between the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and the Aboriginal Specialist Wellbeing Service on Dunghutti country. I am passionate about mental health and supporting Aboriginal people along their journey.

My name is Shi-Anne Wallace, I am the second eldest of four children and grew up in the Tablelands community of Atherton in Far North Queensland. I am of Aboriginal, Mamu descent via my father.

Being the first in my family to finish High School, I graduated in 2021. I then began studying the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree at James Cook University – Cairn’s campus at the beginning of 2022. I am now in my third year of my degree and expect to graduate at the end of 2025.

My name is Steven Cable and I am a proud Noongar Man with connection to Narrogin in Western Australia. Growing up I always envisioned myself working in healthcare to connect to local communities and be able to make a difference to as many lives as possible. I started my healthcare journey as a Physiotherapist working at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in New South Wales for four years and was able to meet some amazing people. After this I decided to begin the process of starting a career in Medicine. I am currently in my second year studying at the University of Sydney and looking forward to working in regional and rural settings when I am qualified.

My name is Laura Cauchi, and I am a proud mother to three young boys, a Registered Nurse and dedicated Medical student who has a passion for helping others. Growing up I was blessed enough to be raised in Western Sydney where I was emersed in both the Aboriginal and Maori culture which has given me an ongoing appreciation and respect to the connection family has in the provision of holistic healthcare.

Charlie Hazelton, a proud Wiradjuri Kalari Man, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth empowerment and health education. Currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science at Griffith University, Charlie aspires to continue his journey into the Doctor of Medicine Program, combining his cultural heritage with his academic pursuits.

As a child I always wanted to help. I enjoyed helping people in and around my community and have continued volunteering throughout my adult life. I have been a volunteer firefighter with the CFA since 1993. An encouraging comment during an event where I was providing first aid led me to a career change into Nursing. I first attended TAFE and completed an Advanced Diploma and now after 10 years as an Enrolled Nurse have undertaken a Bachelor of Nursing.

Sarah Blackwell, a proud Wiradjuri woman, traces her familial roots from the Mudgee area to the Wellington region of New South Wales, deep into Wiradjuri country. Despite her immediate family residing in Mt Druitt, Sarah’s upbringing unfolded on Darug and Gundungurra country in Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains region. This rich cultural environment has profoundly shaped Sarah’s outlook and fuelled her unwavering dedication to serving Indigenous communities within her medical career.