• Charles Sturt’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health awards $45,000 in scholarships to 36 continuing and commencing students
• Students from Gilgandra, Nyngan, Orange, Cootamundra and West Wyalong are among the recipients
• Scholarships are awarded to students studying a range of health professions, including allied health, nursing, paramedicine, occupational therapy and dentistry

Rural and regional students have been awarded a share of $45,000 in scholarships through Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health (DRH) and the Country Education Foundation of Australia Grant Scheme.

The University supports the scheme through Three Rivers DRH, which is funded by the Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, aiming to improve the recruitment and retention of nursing, midwifery, allied health and dentistry professionals in rural and remote Australia.

Grants are aimed at supporting and retaining health students who originate from a country town within the Three Rivers DRH footprint, which covers 30 per cent of NSW. Students from Gilgandra, Nyngan, Orange, Cootamundra, West Wyalong, Temora, Harden, Grenfell and Coleambally received scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded by eligible volunteer-run foundations of the Country Education Foundation (CEF) of Australia to support 36 students studying health profession courses, including allied health, nursing, paramedicine, occupational therapy and dentistry.

Three Rivers DRH Director Ms Christine Howard said Three Rivers DRH continues to see the positive impact of the grants.

“We have committed to continuing the scheme in support of the student’s journey, as well as the wellbeing of the communities they come from,” Ms Howard said.

“Students from many towns and various health courses have been supported.

“As we move into the fifth year of the grants scheme, we are delighted to continue supporting first-year and returning students to complete their courses.”

Ms Howard said the cost of attending university is greater for regional students and that these scholarships assist with travel and accommodation expenses.

Bachelor of Nursing student Ms Lily Meldrum (pictured) from Nyngan said the scholarship provided the financial support she needed to attend workplace learning and immerse herself in opportunities without the stress of placement-related costs.

“In addition, collaboration between the Country Education Foundation and Charles Sturt will support me in completing my Bachelor of Nursing and aid me in reaching my goal of promoting health within rural communities and positively impact the health inequalities between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples,” she said.

CEF CEO Ms Juliet Peterson said CEF is delighted to continue its partnership with Three Rivers DRH to provide support to rural and regional youth.

“Many of the wonderful students supported choose to study in these areas as they have experienced firsthand the impact of shortages in our regions, and we are proud to help them work towards achieving their goals,” she said.