Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

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 proud trawlwoolway palawa man from North East lutruwita (Tasmania); tebrakunna country, but grew up on Wurundjeri Marin-Balluk country in the North Western suburbs of Narrm (Melbourne). I am also proud to identify with my Italian and Slavic heritage. I am currently in my third year of medicine at Monash University completing my first year of clinical placements.

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.

I am a proud Yamatji woman, my mother’s country is in Western Australia near Carnavon (Gascoyne Region). I was born and raised in Mackay, have travelled to FNQ, and lived in remote communities as a child and worked as an enrolled nurse. I started my nursing journey as a student midwife, after losing my brother by suicide I decided to do my enrolled nursing to have a better understanding of mental health.

My name is Jayde Couzens, I am a proud Noongar and Gunditjmara woman. I live with my 6-year-old son, Allakai and my partner who is a stay-at-home father, who is now trying to seek employment. I am living on Yorta-Yorta country in Katunga, while working at Goulburn Valley Health and studying at Latrobe Shepparton.

I am a full-time Bachelor of Social work student, studying online and in my third year of my degree. I am a dedicated student and highly committed to my studies. I am a proud Wiradyuri Wambuul Yinaa (Macquarie River Woman) and a strong advocate for culturally compatible and decolonised practice when working with First Nations Peoples. For the past three years, I have been residing and working in remote/rural First Nations communities within Central Queensland.

I am a proud Whadjuk Noongar and Yindjibarndi woman and am currently in my 2nd year of Medical School at Monash university. Outside of my studies I am a part of an initiative to help increase university attendance for students from underrepresented backgrounds. As well I try to involve pilates, yoga and pottery into my weekly schedule if time allowing.