To bolster our commitment to supporting the rural health workforce, RFDS Victoria launched the Give Them Wings scholarship program.
Since 2012, these scholarships have been awarded annually to first year university students from regional and rural Victoria who are studying nursing or an allied health discipline. RFDS Victoria recognises that students from rural and remote locations often face additional expenses when undertaking their studies, including in terms of travel and accommodation costs, and the scholarship program therefore seeks to provide financial assistance to help these students complete their course.
In addition to providing financial assistance, the scholarships also offer students valuable hands-on work experience, with the opportunity to spend a day with one of our patient transport or primary health care teams – either on the road or in the air.
The Give Them Wings scholarship program is also intended to encourage students to seek employment in regional or rural Victoria upon graduation, and put their vital skills to work in the communities that need them the most.
In 2022, we had five outstanding recipients. These students not only demonstrated a passion for their respective chosen fields of study, but for pursuing a career that would actively support health outcomes for rural Victorian communities.
They will each receive $5,000, as well as some invaluable work experience with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The recipients are:
- Charlotte Mullens (Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Optometry)
- Dave Fraser (Bachelor of Health Sciences)
- Michael Johnston (Bachelor of Paramedic Practice)
- Ella Lanyon (Bachelor of Biomedical Science)
- Elisha Kubeil (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
