Are you a tertiary health student living in the Yarra Ranges?
Applications are now open for Inspiro’s Tertiary Health Scholarships – and successful applicants could receive up to $12,500!
Inspiro is awarding two scholarships to the value of $22,500 to Yarra Ranges students undertaking tertiary health science courses, to inspire the next generation of health professionals.
It’s easy to apply and there’s two amazing scholarships on offer:
- $12,500 Hamish Russell Award
- $10,000 Stephen Potter Award
To be eligible, applicants must be a Yarra Ranges Shire resident and currently undertaking or enrolled to commence tertiary studies in an accredited health science course at an Australian university or TAFE institute, or through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
The judging panel will be looking for applicants who show determination and commitment in their studies and genuine heart for their community. Past recipients have demonstrated their contribution to the community in several ways, including volunteering and other essential unpaid community roles.
Last year’s winner of the Hamish Russell Award, Kelsey Horsnaill, is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Degree at Monash University and spends her time volunteering at community camps and working in the local area as a part-time support worker.
For Kelsey, the scholarship she has received will ensure she can successfully complete her course without any additional financial burden.
“It gives me the opportunity to gain more experience when working in the field, and will ensure that once I have graduated, I will be able to bring all of my knowledge and experience back to the community and continue to help others,” says Kelsey.
Applications must be submitted by 5pm Friday 14 March, 2025.
Further information and details on how to apply can be found here.
Meet Kelsey – Winner of the 2024 Hamish Russell Scholarship
What inspired you to pursue a career in health care?
I have always been passionate about making a difference in others’ lives, and healthcare was always enticing as it gives you the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to improve other individual’s life outcomes. This is something that is pretty amazing, and something I find extremely special.
What area of health are you most passionate about and why?
I am most passionate in Paediatrics, due to the difference I feel I could make to the lives of those young individuals. There are a lot of young individuals living with struggles that they cannot understand yet, and so having the opportunity to work in schools and hospitals, for example, will give me the opportunity to support them in times that are confusing. This is something that I am passionate about. I am passionate about working in the local schools once I graduate, specialising in Paediatric Occupational Therapy, with the aim to be a friendly and familiar face that children can associate their occupational therapy sessions with.
How do you envision making a positive impact in your community?
I want to be able to provide and support my community in order to improve health outcomes locally and ensure that individuals can continue to live their fullest lives without health burdens and restrictions. Having the opportunity to make this change for people I am surrounded by each day is something that is incredibly special.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying?
Do not hesitate, you truly do not know until you have tried. One application has the chance to open up millions of opportunities, and if you are unsuccessful, there is always next year. You do not lose anything by trying!
