Funding Future Medical Professionals

Moree Plains Shire Council has proudly sponsored Barwon Health Alliance’s Dr William K Hunter Scholarship, donating $3000 towards the student grant.

The Dr William K Hunter scholarship supports one medical, nursing or allied health undergraduate student from the Moree Plains Shire, Warialda, Bingara or Collarenebri districts as they undergo their second year or above at any Australian university. Since its inception, the scholarship has supported 28 students.

Mayor Katrina Humphries encouraged Council to financially support the scholarship as it draws medical professionals back to the New England and North West area.

“This scholarship supports studying health professionals in so many ways. The money can be put towards textbooks, placement accommodation or even reduce work hours at part-time or casual jobs and enable students to focus more on their education,” explained Mayor Humphries.

“The great thing about this scholarship is that it is made especially for people of all ages who reside in the New England and North West area. It encourages them to continue their studies here and hopefully stay in the area as qualified medical professionals and build their careers here at home,” said Mayor Humphries.

The Dr William Hunter Scholarship was initiated to honour the work of Bill Hunter AM, a rural GP and surgeon based in the Moree area.

Dr Hunter said that the scholarship aims to encourage skilled university graduates to return to rural areas, particularly Moree.

“Applicants are interviewed by a panel of local members from the community and assessed on their eligibility based on the criteria. The successful applicant/s will then have to submit 2 reports including what they have gained and learnt from the experience.

“Supporting students financially means that they can complete their placement in large centres and bring the skills they learn from these areas back to our region,” Dr Hunter said.