Applications now open for Puggy Hunter Scholarship

Rural Doctors Network (RDN) is very pleased to be supporting Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) in announcing that applications are NOW OPEN for the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship. 

The Scholarship provides access to financial, cultural, mentoring, and other supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying in health, including access to up to $15,000 per annum (full time) for the normal duration of the course.

The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and administered under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control through IAHA and the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP), in partnership with RDN.

Kamilaroi woman and IAHA Chairperson, Nicole Turner, said “many of our members have benefited in their studies as Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship recipients and progressed into the health workforce in clinical and non-clinical roles achieving their aspirations in health leadership. We know the important role that financial assistance plays in student success, but we’re excited to wrap our culturally safe and responsive supports around recipients to ensure they receive the cultural, personal, and professional mentoring, across their journey”.

Bundjalung man and NAATSIHWP Chairperson, David Follent, added “NAATSIHWP have a long history with the Puggy Hunter Scholarship and is pleased to be working with IAHA and RDN to ensure that we grow our future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, across all disciplines, led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

RDN’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Edwards, said RDN is delighted to continue to work alongside two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations in the delivery of such an important program.  

"We are privileged to complement IAHA and NAATSIHWP's cultural leadership and care with our program and operational delivery expertise and resources in ensuring Puggy Hunter Scholarship applicants and recipients are provided the best quality support and service," Mr Edwards said.

Applications close midnight 20 October. 

Learn more and apply now.

Related reading: 

• Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme transitioning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control