Diploma of Nursing Indigenous scholarship awarded

Samara Murray has been awarded a Mater Education Diploma of Nursing Indigenous scholarship.

A stay-at-home mother since having the first of two children two years ago, Samara recently commenced a Diploma of Nursing as the first step towards returning to the workforce with a new career.

“Before I had my children, I had worked in administration roles in the disability sector and with the Alcohol and other Drugs Program. I’ve always been interested in healthcare, especially Indigenous health, and I’d like a hands- on role, so nursing appealed to me.

“There is nothing better than making someone else feel better,” Samara said.

Samara appreciates the financial assistance she will receive from the scholarship while completing her Diploma of Nursing part time.

“It’s great that Mater offers this scholarship to Indigenous students, who may not have the same opportunities as other students.

On a personal level, the financial assistance is a big help and means that I can complete my studies while raising my children.”

Looking forward, Samara is excited about the opportunities that Mater’s Diploma of Nursing may provide.

“Further down the track, I’d like to do a Bachelor of Nursing, and the Diploma of Nursing will be a good stepping stone to this.

“Eventually, I’m interested in working in Indigenous health, but I’m also interested in surgical nursing. It’s early days yet. For now, I’m excited about my coursework, especially doing simulation classes. I love the hands-on experience!”

Funded by generous donors through Mater Foundation, the scholarship is available to eligible students from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or refugee background.

Congratulations, Samara!