My name is Ebony Woolstencroft (née Atkinson), a proud Bangerang woman who grew up in Tatura and now resides in Kialla. In the early 2000s, I successfully completed a TAFE certificate and became a registered Division 2 (enrolled) nurse, working in aged care for two years. However, life’s unexpected turns led me away from nursing, and I transitioned into a career as an administration and customer service officer, where I gained 15 years of valuable experience.

Throughout this time, the desire to return to nursing never left me. Initially, I aspired to complete a Bachelor of Nursing but wasn’t ready to commit to the demands of university study. Years later, with my two children now in primary school, I discussed my ambitions with my husband,  who wholeheartedly supported my decision to pursue my dream. I am now in my final year of the Bachelor of Nursing, having studied part-time for three years and full-time in my final year.

I have embraced university life, seizing every opportunity along the way. I have had unwavering support from my family, academic mentors, and generous scholarship programs. Their encouragement has eased the journey both financially and mentally, and I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities. I look forward to graduating and continuing my passion for nursing.

My passion for improving Indigenous health is deeply rooted in my family’s legacy. My grandparents, John and Gwen Atkinson, were instrumental in establishing the Rumbalara Aboriginal Medical Centre in the 1970s, creating a foundation for accessible and culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal people in Mooroopna and surrounding areas. My grandmother, remained a strong advocate for Indigenous health, helping to establish the Minyah Barmah Room at GV Health to provide a culturally supportive space for Aboriginal families with loved ones in hospital. She also played a key role in strengthening the partnership between Rumbalara and GV Health, ensuring better healthcare access for our people.

Inspired by their dedication, I am committed to continuing their legacy as a nurse. I understand the barriers Aboriginal people face in accessing healthcare, including cultural safety, trust, and systemic inequities. My goal is to provide patient-centered, culturally appropriate care that respects the values and traditions of Aboriginal patients and their families.

Beyond my clinical role, I am passionate about advocating for greater Indigenous representation in healthcare. I hope to mentor and support future Indigenous nurses, encouraging more Aboriginal people to pursue careers in health.

Long-term, I would be honoured to work with my community, focusing on health education and early intervention programs to address preventable diseases and improve long-term health outcomes for our people.

Semester 1 was thoroughly enjoyable. This semester comprised of 1 clinical subject, 1 research subject and one elective which I chose a child and health subject. I have in midwifery and this subject touched on that area. The clinical subject was also an area that I am wanting to get into which was emergency care. We looked at different systems of the body that would be affected and result in a presentation to emergency for example Cardiac for chest pain or endocrine for diabetes and ketosis. This subject also requires us to do a clinical skills assessment where we are required to perform a skill we have learnt and be assessed on our technique and safety of the patient.

I completed a 4-week placement in the emergency department of our local hospital which was amazing. I learnt valuable skills that I can see easily transferable once graduated. It was very mentally and physically draining during this time as they are 5 days a week (40 hours). I am grateful that I did not have to work my usual occupation during this time which is owed to Rotary for their amazing scholarship. Without this my experience would not have been as enjoyable as I would have had to work additional to the 40 hours for income.

My final placement will be in theatre and I look forward to reflecting on that.

With only one semester to go, I am still enjoying learning new things about the human body and becoming a nurse. I am also so excited to be finished. It has been a long 4 years and while I am still enjoying learning new things, I will be so happy to not have to worry about assessments, working and studying.

Thank you, Rotary, for helping to ease the financial strain on what is already a tough time. I am so grateful for this scholarship.

I look forward to giving my final reflection piece at the end of semester 2.