Rural Health NFP Scholarship Winners Announced

Not for Profits, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria and Rural Health Workforce Australia, have announced the four recipients of its Give Them Wings scholarships.

This is the third year the organisations have run the scholarship program, designed to encourage the next generation of nursing and allied health professionals from rural communities. Each scholarship is worth $2,500 and also offers Royal Flying Doctor experience.

Rhiannan Frusher.

Kurt Murphy.

Natalie Dowling.

Tasmin Lewis.

The 2014 Give Them Wings scholars are:

• Rhiannan Frusher, from Warrnambool, a nursing student at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus;
• Kurt Murphy, from Welshmans Reef, a physiotherapy student at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus;
• Natalie Dowling, from Yarrawonga, an optometry student at Deakin University in Geelong;
• Tasmin Lewis, from Drouin East, an occupational therapy student at Monash University’s Peninsula campus.

RFDS Victoria Chief Executive Scott Chapman said it was important to encourage young health professionals to consider living and working in country areas.

“The Flying Doctors understand how crucial it is for rural communities to have access to quality medical services,” he said.

Rural Health Workforce Australia CEO Greg Mundy said the scholarship recipients were fine role models for other country students interested in health careers. 

“They are impressive young people who represent the future of rural health,” he said.

“We’re delighted to hear they all intend to return to the country once they graduate – because that’s where their skills will be needed.”

Rural Health Workforce Australia said The Give Them Wings scholarship program was generously supported by the volunteer fundraising activities of the Bayside Auxiliary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria.

It said the auxiliary had raised more than $235,000 for the RFDS.