Alumni Magazine Issue 6

A passion for rural health Lloyd is an Aboriginal student doctor and Scholarship recipient, completing the penultimate year of his medical course with the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia. “The reason I decided to study Medicine was because of the shortage of doctors who work remotely, and the significant impact that shortage has on the health of Aboriginal people,” says Lloyd. “Notre Dame has a genuine commitment to graduating doctors with a passion for rural medicine. As someone who is studying Medicine with the aim to work remotely with Aboriginal people, these amazing opportunities have not only given me training that’s relevant for the kind of doctor I want to be, but also kept me motivated to continue studying.” “My Scholarship has allowed me to study in a remote area to learn the skills that I’ll need as a doctor for Aboriginal people. It has also allowed me to stay involved in my community without the difficulty of being unable to support my family.” Inspired by culture and faith An Indigenous Access Scholarship helped Aboriginal alumna, Emily Nilsson, on her journey to becoming a primary school teacher. While studying Education in Sydney, Emily volunteered on the Notre Dame Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Consultative Group. She was inspired to join the committee as it offered her the opportunity to learn more about her Aboriginal heritage, and voice her ideas about the importance of Aboriginal culture and how to share it with the University community. Having received a scholarship as a student herself, Emily was pleased to hear about the launch of the new Aunty Elsie Indigenous Support Scholarship. “Scholarships support students in different ways so that we feel welcomed and valued no matter our personal circumstances. It helps students feel supported, knowing that the University is acknowledging the need for assistance.” Giving back through business Reiniera is a Business student and recipient of The Sir Frank Ledger Trust Scholarship. Her passion to help others flourished after she coordinated a ‘Cook for Syria’ event which donated directly to UNICEF to assist Syrian children. “Receiving this support has inspired confidence in me. I now owe it not only to myself but to others to do my best. I believe my gratitude to donors is reflected when I excel in the work I do.” “The reason I chose to study Business was that I was getting to a point in my career where I felt I needed to increase my opportunities and develop my understanding of the business world. I aspire to be part of an organisation which helps shape the community,” Reiniera says. Alumni Magazine – Page 9