I am a full time Bachelor of Nursing student through the Deakin University, Institute of Koorie Education and I strongly believe that this scholarship will greatly enhance my experience and allow me to achieve my goals in the strongest way possible.

As I have grown older, I have gained a deeper understanding of the health issues and challenges and Indigenous people are faced with. This knowledge combined with my passion in caring for people have sparked an interest in having a career in the health sector. I have been actively involved in several health initiatives in my community including volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Perth, participating in several ‘Relay for Life’ fundraiser and more recently engaging in the Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship program at East Health – Box Hill Hospital. By furthering my education, the knowledge that I will encompass and the clinical skills that I will gain through work experience will place me in a position that will enable me to impact on the health status of, not only Australia as a country but in particular I hope to contribute to bettering the health of Indigenous Australia.

It is a long-term goal of mine to work along side my people in a way that positively impacts the health of communities. I aim to utilise my Bachelor of Nursing (and any post-graduate studies) to allow me to work on identifying gaps in health literacy and knowledge. Once I have completed the Bachelor of Nursing, I wish to further my studies by undertaking the Master of Nursing. This scholarship will assist me financially and enable me to undertake additional study that will provide with the skills and knowledge required to work in rural and remote environments and focus on the prevention and education of diabetes within the Indigenous Australia.

I believe it is imperative that there is a link in the community, a voice and a platform that educates my people on chronic disease management; I aspire to be that link. I am heavily invested in diabetes management because it not only affects several members of my family but also myself directly as a type II Diabetes.

This trimester has been a great start to what seems to be the end of my studies. I was enrolled in HNN319 Chronic Health and Supportive Care. This unit entailed an essay, exam and 2 weeks clinical placement. I am scheduled to complete the clinical placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital from 23^rd October – 12^th November (this include 3 days make up). I am looking forward to attending my placement as I haven’t had the opportunity to be in a clinical setting for almost 2 years due to a range of reasons – Covid-19, health and personal circumstances.

I have also returned to full-time work post maternity leave. I have been working as a HSE Business Partner for Transgrid and also have taken on a Leading Hand role at an Independent Supported Aged Care Facility. My role as Leading Hand allows me to practice clinical skills that I have learnt throughout my studies including medication administration, time management, patient assessments. As I am still a student, I ensure that I work within my scope of practice and ensure that all care is delivered with a person-centred approach.

I am now enrolled in Trimester 2, and I am completing my final 2 units of study. All assessments and clinical placements will be completed by 22^nd December 2023. I have applied for a Graduate Position with Murrumbidgee Local Health District and I’m hoping to be successful for an August 2024 intake, preferably in Mental Health, Community Nursing and/or Aged Care.

In the background, I am still establishing my own NDIS Business and currently undertaking the audit with the NDIS Commission.  I am hoping to launch the business in January 2024 and looks forward to giving you an update along the way.

Finally, I would like to thank  my sponsoring clubs for their ongoing support throughout my studies. The Rotary Scholarship has provided additional financial support that has allowed me to take time off work for placements, assisted with uniforms and textbook purchases and ease the financial burden which has allowed me time to focus on my studies. I am forever grateful and appreciative.