Sisters discover true love for nursing

This NAIDOC Week, Mater Education celebrates the incredible history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It's also an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of our Diploma of Nursing Indigenous scholarship recipients. 

Sisters Allegra Arguto Wearne and Dana Wearne were both successful in receiving the scholarship and today they're thriving in their respective healthcare careers. 

Allegra, who graduated as an enrolled nurse in 2019, was inspired by her dad to become a nurse. 

"Dad's been a wardsman at the Mater in Brisbane for more than 15 years and he pitched the idea of nursing to me," she said.

"I was 18 when I started the Diploma and I am really happy that I decided to study it. Mum and dad are so proud that we got the opportunity (scholarship)."

Allegra is now a personal care worker at Alzheimer's Queensland but is hoping to move into enrolled nursing work in the future.

"I would also like to experience travel nursing with Dana and work in different communities. The Diploma just leads to so many different pathways," she said.

"I will never struggle finding work."

Dana was inspired by her younger sister to give the Diploma a go. 

"I doubted myself and I didn't feel like I was good enough, but when I saw Allegra doing it I just jumped in," she said.

"I have never been happier! I have found my calling." 

The 26-year-old finished the program in 2020 and has since worked as an enrolled nurse in disability as well as aged care in Alice Springs, Cardwell and south east Queensland. 

"Now I've joined an Indigenous aged care agency and I've chosen a role in a nursing home in Western Australia," she said.

"I really like moving around, travelling and throwing myself into these new environments." 

Mater Education is proud to offer scholarship opportunities for eligible students from an indigenous or refugee background, as well as those facing financial hardship.

Allegra encouraged anyone passionate about helping others to consider a career in healthcare and those eligible to apply for the Indigenous scholarship. 

"It's such an amazing opportunity to study with Mater Education and not having to worry about the cost is a big help.

Scholarships are awarded on merit, and are available to eligible students enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing program for the January and July intakes. 

To apply or find out more information, click here: https://mater.li/ApplyForDoN