The transition to first year university has just got a whole lot easier for Victorian country students Kara Hazelman and Ella Bouman.

Kara and Ella are the winners of the inaugural Give Them Wings scholarships, offered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria in partnership with Rural Health Workforce.

The scholarships, worth $2,500 each, are designed to encourage the next generation of nursing and allied health professionals from rural communities.

Kara, from Kyabram, is studying physiotherapy at the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University. She intends to work in the country once she graduates, specialising in rehabilitation.

Ella is from Panmure, a small dairy community in south-west Victoria. She plans to combine nursing and farming after finishing her degree at Deakin University in Warrnambool.

“We’re delighted to support two highly motivated young women,” says RFDS Victoria CEO, Scott Chapman. “They are very clear about using their skills to care for country people once they’ve completed their studies.”

The CEO of Rural Health Workforce, Greg Sam, says Kara and Ella symbolise the future of rural health. “They are great role models for other country students considering a health career,” he says.

“We need more people like them in order to meet the health needs of rural communities.”

Mr Sam says RHW is pleased to partner with RFDS to benefit rural communities.

As part of their Give Them Wings scholarships, Kara and Ella will each receive a Royal Flying Doctor experience as well as cash payments to help them cover the costs of first year university.

Give Them Wings is generously supported by the volunteer fundraising activities of the Victorian Bayside Auxiliary of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Media inquiries: Tony Wells, Rural Health Workforce Communications Manager, 0417 627 916 or Geoff Fraser, RFDS-Victoria Communications Manager, 0407 360 256

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