Hay Shire Council is continuing its efforts in attracting medical staff to Hay with a commitment to the Bush Bursary program.
Current recipients are Zali Beuzeville and Charlie Jackson, pictured with Lyla Quinn during their placement at Japp’s Pharmacy last week.
Zali is studying nursing at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney and Charlie recently graduated as Registered Nurse from the University of Newcastle.
They have also spent time at Hay Hospital, Hay Medical Centre and Hay Aboriginal Medical Centre and leave Hay at the end of the week with a renewed commitment to working in rural areas.
Zali and Charlie are enjoying the slower pace in Hay and the friendliness of the locals.
Bush Bursary a stepping stone to the country
The Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Bush Bursaries provide selected medical, midwifery and nursing students in NSW/ACT with up to $1,500 each to assist with the costs associated with participating in the program, including travel to and from the placement, meals, and other discretionary spending during the placement.
Recipients are paired up by RDN and spend two weeks on a placement in country NSW during their university holidays.
The placement aims to provide a rural immersion experience by combining the enjoyable aspects of country life and rural medicine.
The program is funded by individual rural councils and community groups across NSW.
A separate Country Women’s Association (CWA) Scholarship is also administered by RDN.
Itineraries and accommodation are coordinated by the rural councils, such as Hay Shire Council, hosting the placement.
Applications are welcome from first or second year medical degree students, and all nursing or midwifery degree students.
More details at www.nswrdn.com.au.
This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 15 January 2025.