Medical students on Bush Bursary

Lachlan Shire and the Myamley Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) are pleased to be hosting two Bush Bursary health industry students from the University of Wollongong.

Tom Skinner and Joelle Poyzer arrived in Condobolin last week and, at a special morning tea, were welcomed to the Shire by Mayor John Medcalf OAM, senior Council management and Myamley CWA members including Mrs Patrisha Hurley OAM.

In welcoming Tom and Joelle, the Mayor said Council was pleased to support the Bush Bursaries program, adding he was sure the two students would have a great experience in the Shire and hopefully would like to come back to work in a rural setting when they graduate.

“We want you to enjoy your time here in Lachlan Shire with us,” the Mayor said. “This is a unique opportunity for you both to gain a firsthand understanding of the bush lifestyle and a taste of the positive aspects of country living.”

Tom, originally from Perth, is a medical student who has previously completed a nursing degree. Joelle, currently studying nursing, grew up in Eden on the far south NSW coast and spent time in Sydney and Europe before moving to Wollongong to attend university. 

The two students are here for two weeks and spent their first week in the Shire at Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service where they were made to feel at home by both staff and community members.

Tom and Joelle said they have enjoyed learning about the dynamics of a rural practice and seeing how it differs from a city setting. Whilst being taught important clinical and assessment skills by local health professionals, they have witnessed the importance of developing closer relationships with community members.

Both students were also lucky enough to spend an afternoon with the Condobolin Ambulance service which was a great learning experience for them. During their final placement week they will spend time at the Tottenham and Lake Cargelligo multi-purpose hospitals and the Condobolin District Hospital.

NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Bush Bursaries and CWA scholarships are designed to provide selected medical, midwifery and nursing students with $1500 each to assist with study costs.

Recipients spend two weeks on a rural placement in country NSW during their university holidays.

Tom and Joelle’s Bush Bursary visit has been funded by Lachlan Shire Council with support from the Country Women's Association of NSW.

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For any enquiries please contact MAYOR JOHN MEDCALF OAM on 0429 937 248.