Traineeships and scholarships for first nations people have been in the news recently with Indigenous Scholarships for Nursing and Midwifery.
Cory Paulson has recently graduated with a Bachelors in Mental Health and is continuing his studies in honours this year.
He explained that studying is a challenge to complete physically and mentally.
“Part of my success was due to the support I received from the Country University Centre Far West,” Mr Paulson said.
Mr Paulson was involved with The Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Worker Education and Training Program at Charles Sturt University that helps Indigenous people train as Mental Health Workers.
The organisation reports that despite Indigenous people self-reporting a higher rate of mental health or behavioural conditions (24%) than non-indigenous (20%), the number presenting to Mental Health Services is not at a rate equal to the level of distress.
Djirruwang aims to increase access by indigenous people to services by increasing the number of Indigenous mental health workers and providing training relevant to more culturally, responsive safe and accessible mental health services.
Mr Paulson also wanted to acknowledge the Far West Local Health District for the support and opportunity they afforded him.
“I encourage our first nations people of the Far West to apply when the traineeships become available,” he said.
NSW Health is also offering Indigenous Cadetships for those studying or planning to study Nursing and Midwifery with $600 payment per fortnight for 40 weeks as well as a $500 allowance for every semester.
The NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships offer up to $1000 per subject.
For general inquiries regarding Cadetships and Scholarships email Chelsea.Anderson@health .nsw.gov.au
