The inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation nursing scholarships were available in 2023 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are currently enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing course with a registered institution within Australia.

Applicants were invited to apply for a scholarship, which aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards a career in nursing. Through self-determined choice and pathways, the successful applicants will receive support and assistance that honours the legacy of the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue’s pioneering career in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Our scholarships support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in study, internship, and a career in the following areas: nursing and the public service sector.

This is an acknowledgement to the legacy of Dr O’Donoghue’s dedicated lifetime of work, and whose pioneering achievements created pathways and opportunities for many generations of First Nations peoples.

2023 nursing scholarship recipient:
Emma Scarce

Former Lowitja Institute CEO Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed
with Emma Scarce.

‘I am so honoured to receive the inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Nursing Scholarship, and to follow in the footsteps of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue who was one of the very first Aboriginal nurses in South Australia. As an Aboriginal woman working in Health Care, I will be able to breakdown barriers and close gaps which many Aboriginal people face. It is crucial that our people feel comfortable and culturally safe when seeking healthcare.

‘Embarking on my nursing career through this important scholarship, allows me to focus on my study knowing that I am fully supported to complete my diploma in 2024.’

Emma Scarce

Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Mirning woman

As a national organisation, we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land across Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our offices are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people.

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