New scholarship program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Baxter Healthcare (Baxter) and Western Sydney University today announced a new scholarship program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and health programs.

The announcement on International Nurses Day (May 12) extends the two organisation’s commitment to the Western Sydney region and excellence in healthcare learning and services.

The Baxter Healthcare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship in Nursing will sponsor two final year Indigenous students at Western Sydney University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, with individual scholarships of $9,000 per students.

The partnership between Baxter and Western Sydney University also extends to a new $2000 prize to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait student completing the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health in partnership with Karitane.

As an anchor institution in the Greater Western Sydney region, Western Sydney University supplies over 75% of Western Sydney’s health workforce.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery has the highest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student intake across the whole of Western Sydney University with over 100 students identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolling in 2020.

General Manager for Baxter Australia and New Zealand, Steven Flynn, said Baxter Healthcare was committed to partnering with the local community and Indigenous organisations to tackle inequities in healthcare.

“As a local medical manufacturer in Western Sydney for more than 45 years, Baxter is proud to partner with Western Sydney University to support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses” Mr Flynn said.

“Community-led health programs and the voice of local Indigenous communities are essential to closing the gap on health inequalities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our partnership with Western Sydney University aims to help remove barriers and empower Indigenous communities to develop and lead programs that meet their needs.”

Professor Deborah Hatcher, Dean School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University said: “Understanding how health and wellbeing impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is vitally important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses, many of whom plan to work in communities in remote, rural and urban settings.

“Access to these scholarships and unique placement opportunities through the generous support of Baxter not only empowers these students and enhances their learning, but will have a lasting positive impact on Indigenous peoples, their families and communities across Australia.”

ENDS

12 May 2021

Media Unit