Diana and Charlotte Get a Taste of Rural Practice on Bush Bursary

Published on 19 January 2024

Charlotte Kenny and Diana Barez – both first year medical students at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney – recently completed a stay in Deniliquin as part of the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) Bush Bursary program.

The program ran from 3 December to 18 December. Edward River Council coordinated the program which saw both students undertaking work experience placements within the hospital, various local medical practices and the Deniliquin Vets – giving them valuable exposure to the everyday running of many different types of rural workplaces.

Diana Barez enjoyed the program immensely and says she will be recommending it to other students.

“…the Bush Bursary is what you make of it so students should be heavily encouraged to take all the opportunities given and to make some for themselves… what stood out for me personally was the Emergency Department, veterinary clinic and procedures with the practice nurses. These were places where I believe I learnt the most and got to interact with the community of Deniliquin the easiest,” said Diana.

The Bush Bursary Program provides selected medical and nursing students in NSW/ACT with $1,500 each to assist with the costs associated with participating in the program. It is funded by individual rural councils across NSW and Edward River Council has participated in the program since 2016.

Edward River Council Chief Executive Officer, Phil Stone, said that supporting the program is important for the future of rural healthcare.

“Council is committed to the Bush Bursary program and we invest annually because we want medical students to have direct exposure to the beauty of our region, our country hospitality and what a varied and meaningful career they can have in the country. We want to see them come back here; and to tell their friends about us,” said Mr Stone.

The program aims to provide a rural immersion experience by combining the enjoyable aspects of country life and rural medicine. Recipients spend two weeks on a placement in country NSW during their university holidays.

Charlotte and Diana were hosted by Council employee, Belinda Perrett for part of their stay and by Dr Sydney Paul’s family for the remainder of their stay. They got to enjoy the charms of rural life including a cruise on the Edward River, an evening out at the Deni Boat Club and the Community Christmas Party.