With the ongoing struggle for nurses in rural areas, it was a step in the right direction for Nyngan student Anastasia Walsh who was recently awarded the inaugural Nurses & Midwives Health Scholarship for 2023, to assist her to study nursing at university.

In her senior years at Nyngan High School, Anastasia took part in a Health Services Trainee program out of Nyngan Hospital Multi-purpose Centre, and displayed an aptitude for nursing care, which was a huge part of her selection for the sought-after Scholarship.

The Nurses & Midwives Health scholarship seeks to support motivated individuals with demonstrated merit, who are facing hardship, to realise their career goals in studying a Nursing or Midwifery degree.

“I started work at the Nyngan Hospital at the start of year 11 in February 2021,” said Miss Walsh.

“I completed a School based Traineeship in Health Service being awarded a Certificate 111 in Health Services Assistance.”

“At the hospital I did numerous jobs including assisting with patient’s daily living activities (for example personal hygiene and mobility), helping maintain a safe and clean environment in the ward, or assisting with documentation.”

“ I loved being able to help people and providing them with the care they need,” she said. “I am currently enrolled at CSU Bathurst completing a Bachelor of Nursing.”

Anastasia has been enjoying the opportunity to get hands-on experience

The scholarship provides financial assistance to students in Year 12 in a public high school in NSW who intend to complete a Nursing or Midwifery degree at University after finishing their Higher School Certificate in 2022. 

The scholarship assists with the transition into and progress through their University bachelor degree for up to three years.

Jenny Griffiths, Health Service Manager, is a great supporter of the trainee program and scholarship award, which encourages young local people to join the health field and is happy to see Anastasia awarded for her work.

“We’ve been lucky to have Anastasia join us at Nyngan MPS for the past two years as a trainee. We have seen her passion for patients and residents first-hand.”

“It’s fantastic that she will be supported to continue her studies, we need lots of young passionate nurses like her in our rural hospitals,” said Mrs. Griffiths.

Nyngan MPS Health Service Manager, Jenny Griffiths

Nyngan High School is known for the work it does in placing students into programs that will guide them into careers beyond High School.

Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill has high praise for such valuable programs and is appreciative of the organisations who offer Scholarships to assist rural students.

“Council is thrilled to hear about the recent scholarship awarded to local student Anastasia Walsh, particularly as we are currently facing a dire situation in obtaining nurses to our rural community,” said Mayor Neill.

“The great combination of local organisations, businesses and Nyngan High School is ensuring our young people not only gain valuable skills but will stay in our town and put these skills to use in a myriad of positions for the betterment of our community now and into the future.”

“We congratulate Anastasia and wish her the best in her studies,” he said.

Anastasia is supported and encouraged by Nyngan High School

The scholarship offered consists of an annual payment of up to $3,000 provided at the commencement of each academic year, up to a maximum of 3 years. For students relocating from a rural or remote area, an additional one-off payment of up to $3,000 may be provided to assist with initial relocation expenses.

The scholarship is intended to cover educational expenses such as course fees, necessary equipment, stationery and books, a laptop and face-to-face or online tutoring.

The Nurses & Midwives Health Scholarship is provided by Nurses & Midwives Health, which is part of the Teachers Health Group. The scholarship is supported by the Public Education Foundation which provides scholarships for young people in public education as well as teachers and school principals. 

Paul Somers, Chief Operating Officer of the Public Education Foundation said: “The Public Education Foundation is excited to have partnered with Nurses & Midwives Health to offer this scholarship. It is wonderful to read of Anastasia’s passion for nursing and be a part of helping her to achieve her goal.”

Teachers Health Group CEO Brad Joyce said: “Our partnership with the Public Education Foundation and scholarship support reflects our ongoing commitment to the education and nursing community, which are so integral to the heart of who we are as an organisation. We are very pleased to support Anastasia as she continues her learning and inspiring passion for nursing and healthcare.”

 “I believe I will always work in a rural area as I love the community spirit,” said Miss Walsh.

“It is important to support rural students as we always have battled with the extended travel to take up opportunities and it is important to invest in our own so they might return to the rural areas with their new skills.”

“I am very grateful to have received this Scholarship.”