A $10 000 scholarship to encourage the next generation of rural allied health professionals has gone to a Charles Sturt University (CSU) podiatry student. Gemma Hammond from Culcairn has won the award which will help her complete her four year degree course, which includes clinical experience and assistance from her mentor, physiotherapist Corinne O'Connor also from Culcairn. The scholarship is offered annually through the National Rural Health Network and aims to encourage allied health students to work in rural areas after they graduate. “As a mature aged student the scholarship will be a great help financially and allow me to focus on the studies and expose me to a wider range of experiences on placement while studying,” Ms Hammond said. She is also looking forward to learning about the rewards and problems of working in rural areas with her mentor Corinne.