The Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health Education Grants program is now open for applications.
Local tertiary students who are required to leave the region to study in a health-related field are encouraged to apply.
The program provides local students with a $2000 grant to help them complete their tertiary studies within the health field.
Chairperson Rodney Summers said the program delivered a unique community-led response to local essential skill shortages within the health sector.
“The program supports locals who need to leave the region to undertake university studies within the health sector, with the hope they return to the region as skilled health professionals,” he said.
“In 2022, we provided 10 grants to students who undertook studies in different health areas including dentistry, physiotherapy, paramedicine, paramedic science, occupational therapy, and nutrition and dietetics.”
Mr Summers said the grants could be used for costs directly associated with the recipient’s studies, such as university fees, medical uniforms, equipment, books, travel, and living expenses.
Former grant recipient Alana Mullen continues to complete a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) through the University of Adelaide.
Ms Mullen said the financial support she received in 2022 assisted her in meeting the costs associated with her first student placement.
“In semester one, I was on placement for several days, and the financial compensation from this grant meant I could purchase the required uniform and equipment, including a placement top, badge, pants, shoes, and protective eyewear,” she said.
“I encourage students to apply for this Tertiary Health Education Grant, it has significantly supported my studies and has influenced my ambitions to contribute to the rural health workforce after I graduate.”
The Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health Education Grants program is supported by City of Mount Gambier, Grant District Council, UFS Chemist, Flinders Rural Health SA, Mount Gambier and District Community Bank, Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes, Soroptimists International Mount Gambier, John and Helen Kentish and Ken and Carol Stafford.
Visit www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/THEG to view the eligibility criteria and application form.
Applications close on March 31.
