We are thrilled to award this year’s Inspiro Tertiary Health Scholarships to two extraordinary local health science
students – Tamara and Ebony.
Both students are passionate about improving the future of healthcare, and the health and wellbeing of the Yarra Ranges community. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for them in their chosen careers in health!
Meet our 2025 Inspiro Tertiary Health Scholarship winners:
$12,500 Hamish Russell Scholarship Award
Tamara McDonald – Master of Clinical Psychology
Tamara is completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at ISN and plans to use the $12,500 scholarship prize toward further studies in a Doctor of Psychology program. The scholarship provides Tamara with significant financial relief, allowing her to focus on studies while supporting her young family.
Once qualified, Tamara plans to work within the local Yarra Ranges community, providing individuals and families with neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive disorders to access tailored support and treatment, and to help them succeed in all areas of life, including in schooling and work, socially, emotionally, and through connectedness to their community. Tamara is passionate about inclusion, equity, and focusing on the strengths of each person.
Tamara is an avid member of the Yarra Ranges community and dedicates her time to local volunteer positions wherever possible, including her children’s basketball teams, kindergartens, and school. Most recently, Tamara spent time volunteering at Caladenia Dementia Care in Mooroolbark and had many incredible and rewarding experiences with the amazing team of staff and volunteers, and with the Caladenia members. Tamara has also spent time volunteering at the Salvation Army’s café, and in 2020, was able to raise and donate over 100 items for their Christmas Appeal.
Tamara says, “I feel incredibly honoured and thankful to Inspiro for awarding me the Hamish Russell Award for 2025. Inspiro provides so many wonderful services and supports to the local community, I hope to be able to give back one day and will keep my eyes peeled for any opportunities with them”.
$10,000 Stephen Potter Scholarship Award
Ebony Huidobro-Hoare – Bachelor of Physiotherapy (honours)
Ebony is studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (honours) at La Trobe University in Bendigo, and is currently in her second year of the degree.
She has lived her whole life in the Yarra Ranges, with her family in Kallista, and strives to open her own physiotherapy clinic in the Hills in the future after graduating and working in the field.
Ebony says, “Our community is an interfaced community that still does not have equitable access to health services, so I hope to benefit those in our community by providing my services where we need it most. I will use my skills obtained in the La Trobe University Rural Health School and employ them to help better my skills as a health professional”.
In her spare time, Ebony assists at a local football club as a sports trainer, and she thoroughly enjoys being connected to the community and helping those in need.
