I am a proud Gomeroi, Dunghutti and Biripi woman from Moree, NSW, studying a Bachelor of Nursing at University of Southern Queensland. I have a strong passion for Aboriginal women’s health and wellbeing, and strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of Aboriginal peoples in rural and remote communities.

As a young mother, I strive to empower other Aboriginal women to live active, healthy and fulfilling lives and support them to reach their full potential. Upon graduating, I plan to further my education with a Masters of Midwifery, to support Aboriginal women throughout their pregnancy journey; and to promote the significance of Birthing on Country for Aboriginal women and our babies.

Reflecting on the first six months of 2026, I feel incredibly proud of how far I have progressed in my Bachelor of Nursing and grateful for the support I have received through the Australian Rotary Health Scholarship. 2026 is the final year of what has been a challenging, rewarding and life-changing journey of being an Aboriginal Health Worker working towards becoming a Registered Nurse. Balancing university with raising my son as a single mother and working full-time has required considerable organisation, determination and resilience, and the financial assistance provided through this scholarship has made a meaningful difference to my ability to continue progressing towards my goal.

During Trimester 1, I completed NUR2203 Episodes of Care B and NUR2204 Clinical Skills for Practice B. I was particularly proud to achieve a Distinction in Clinical Skills for Practice B. These courses strengthened my clinical knowledge and practical nursing skills and helped prepare me for the increasing complexity and responsibility expected as I move closer to graduate practice.

Trimester 1 also required me to attend residential school as part of my studies. The Rotary Health Scholarship provided financial support that helped me meet expenses during this time. This significantly reduced the financial pressure associated with attending residential school and allowed me to focus on developing my clinical skills and successfully completing the requirements of my courses.

In Trimester 2, I have progressed to three courses: NUR3300 Clinical Evidence Based Practice, NUR3397 Complex Care A and NUR3398 Complex Care B. These courses have challenged me to further develop my critical thinking, clinical reasoning and understanding of evidence-based nursing care.

The most exciting part of reflecting on the first half of 2026 is recognising just how close I am to completing my degree. In Trimester 3, I am enrolled in my final three courses: NUR3020 Professional Transitions, NUR3299 Contemporary Nursing Practice and NUR3499 Transition to Professional Practice. These final placement and transition courses will support my transition from student nurse to graduate Registered Nurse.

Receiving the Australian Rotary Health Scholarship has helped make this journey more manageable. The financial support has reduced some of the practical barriers associated with completing my nursing education, particularly the cost of childcare required for compulsory university commitments. More importantly, receiving the scholarship has given me a sense that others recognise and support the goal I have been working towards.

I sincerely appreciate the support I have received through the Australian Rotary Health Scholarship. It has played an important role in helping me reach this point, and I look forward to carrying the generosity and support I have received into my future nursing practice by providing compassionate, safe and person-centred care to the communities I will have the privilege of serving.