Profile

Profile

Piper Stewart
Piper Stewart

Piper Stewart

Indigenous Health Scholarship

Western Sydney University, NSW.

Bachelor of Paramedicine
Scholarship Awarded 2025

Sponsored by:
Joe Scorer/Rotary Club of Camden

Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

Student Profile

I am a proud Gulidjan woman who grew up in Griffith, NSW. I am currently attending Western Sydney University studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine. In 2017, at the age of 12 I founded a charity called Bambigi that funds First Nations kids swimming lessons in the Griffith region. Over the past 6 years, I have raised enough money to pay for over 300 First Nations kids swimming lessons. In 2024 I was honoured to be a finalist in the National NAIDOC Youth Award for my work with Bambigi.

I like to swim and have been a member of my local swim club for ten years. I have represented the club at regional and state levels. I am now a qualified swim instructor and lifeguard, which I am very proud of. In 2024 I moved from my regional town to Sydney to become a paramedic. I have always wanted to help and give back to rural areas in Australia, and I believe by completing my degree and working as a paramedic, I can do that.

How will I contribute to improving Indigenous health as a qualified medical practitioner or health worker?

As a future paramedic, I am committed to improving the health of First Nations people, particularly in regional and remote areas. My experiences and passion for healthcare drive my desire to make a lasting impact on the well-being of others, with a focus on culturally safe, patient-centred care. I aim to build trust and establish supportive relationships with First Nation patients, acknowledging the historical mistreatment they have faced in the healthcare system.

Having witnessed the health challenges in rural areas, especially within my own family, I understand the importance of accessible, culturally sensitive healthcare. Chronic conditions in Indigenous communities are compounded by geographical, social, and economic barriers, and I am committed to advocating for early intervention and culturally tailored services.

I also plan to contribute to community health initiatives by promoting public health education, injury prevention, and first aid in remote areas. By empowering communities with basic healthcare knowledge, I hope to foster resilience and self-care. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with Indigenous leaders to develop culturally relevant programs and pursue postgraduate research to address health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Through my background in lifesaving and charity work, I have gained skills in high-pressure environments and teamwork that will help me tackle health challenges in Indigenous communities. Ultimately, I am determined to improve health outcomes and contribute to a more equitable future for First Nation Australians.

Current Progressive Report