As a child, I was lucky to be taught the value of being part of a community, and can not wait to experience this again in Wallaroo next year. Growing up, I loved attending my local kindergarten, primary school and high school – all within walking distance of my childhood home – building friendships that continue to thrive to this day. In my younger years I was an avid member of my local Scouts group and helped organise charity fundraisers in my school and wider community, gaining insights into broader inequities both locally and across Australia.

For the past five years I have volunteered with an organisation that prepares and serves meals to people in need in the city, often those experiencing housing insecurity, substance use and mental health conditions. I am pleased to read of similar charitable initiatives by the Northern Yorke Peninsula Rotary Club and welcome the opportunity to participate in these events during my time there next year.

A surprisingly significant part of my life has been working at my local supermarket. Though it started merely as a tentative step towards earning money in my early teens, I felt so welcomed by the team (and of course my regular customers!) that I spent 7 years working there on evenings and weekends, supported by management who were very accommodating with my studies. Unfortunately, with my upcoming move to Wallaroo, I have had to finally quit my job (though promised to keep in contact), meaning I will now be relying solely on government Youth Allowance payments to support myself next year.

I have been lucky enough to live at home with my mum, who has supported me throughout my studies on a single income, without complaint, allowing me to save my earnings to buy a second-hand car (actually third-hand!) and travel when my budget and study workload permits.

With the assistance of the Australian Rotary Health Scholarship, I will be able to dedicate my free time on the Copper Coast to exploring and participating in local events, rather than seeking new part-time work. As a keen boulderer in Adelaide, I love how welcoming and inclusive the sport is and am excited to join a similarly welcoming community activity on the Yorke Peninsula. I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, as the assistance would allow me to pursue community activities like becoming a member of the local gym and building the courage to join the parkrun team. The ability to maintain a healthy, balanced life outside of my studies will help me stay academically motivated and ready to tackle the responsibilities of 5th year medicine, whilst forming friendships, connections and fully integrating into my new home

This week is my six month anniversary of living in Cowra and it has been a wonderful experience so far. I have been working so very much that I am yet to meet the generous Rotary team in Cowra yet and am hoping to make the time soon.

My typical week consists of placement on four days and one day of teaching in Young. I state with my placements at Cowra District Hospital in the emergency department, maternity, ward or with the allied health team. The other main place I am at is in the Kendal Street Medical Practice working with any of the amazing GP’s that are there. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of Cowra residents of all ages in consults and have even been recognised on one of the community boards on Facebook by a patient which was a lovely experience. I was also able to participate in the Cowra park run but unfortunately with family commitments and lots of travel with study to Young, I have been unable to attend.

The learning curve from medical theory to clinical practice has been very large but I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from so many lovely doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in Cowra. I have particularly enjoyed my time in surgery and in helping with the maternity patients. I really enjoy obstetrics and like the experience of supporting women through the trials of labour and becoming a parent. It has been a pleasure to learn from the amazing GP Obstetrician’s in Cowra, including Dr Louise Baker, Dr Davi Richmond, Dr Ariana Arulampalam and Dr Kaitlin Andrews. They have all been so kind to offer such wonderful advice and teaching during my first six months here in Cowra.

I have loved being in Cowra and the slower paced life of the country is a great experience. I particularly enjoyed attending the ANZAC Dawn service and the Harmony Day march with fete. It is so uplifiting to be a part of such a close knit community even if for a short time like this year. The patients and health issues in this area are difficult at times, and frustrating – especially with the shortage of doctors and immense strain on the health system here in Cowra. But despite these difficulties I have been enjoying the learning and becoming a part of the Cowra community. I cannot thank the Rotary cub enough for their scholarship as without it I wouldn’t have been able to fix my car when it needed repair in the start of the year. I am grateful for the financial support and hope that I can encourage future students to apply for a wonderful opportunity especially as it has helped me to focus on my study with a little less financial stress.