Study opportunity for Aboriginal Health Workers
A new scholarship program offering Aboriginal Health Workers an opportunity to take up further study has been launched as part of the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Health Partnership: Strong Foundations, Sustainable Futures.
The Partnership, which is a collaboration between Rio Tinto and The Kids for Child Health Research through the Kulunga Research Network aims to provide practical tools and activities, based on research and consultation, to help close the gap in Aboriginal health.
Sam Walsh, Chief executive of Rio Tinto's Iron Ore business is pleased to continue the company's support of the Institute.
"Rio Tinto has made a long term commitment to providing employment opportunities, and supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Australians. We are proud to be associated with this project and hope that together with the Institute we can assist Aboriginal people in improving health of their communities".
As part of the Partnership, eight scholarships, each worth up to $5000 will be offered to Aboriginal Health Workers throughout Western Australia to enrol in the Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) at either Marr Mooditj Aboriginal Health College in Perth or the KAMSC Inc School of Health Studies in Broome.
Kulunga's Curriculum Development Officer Gail Barrow said the Partnership responds to a call from Aboriginal community health workers for greater training, development and support opportunities in the area of Aboriginal maternal and child health.
"The Partnership's aims recognise the critical role Aboriginal people play in improving the health outcomes in their own communities," Ms Barrow said.
"Providing Aboriginal Health Workers, particularly those from regional areas, with greater training, development and support opportunities is essential in achieving this, and these scholarships are an excellent start in responding to this call."
The scholarships can be used to assist with payment of course fees, uniform, related study expenses and some employment costs.
To apply for this Scholarship applicants must:
- Be of Aboriginal/and or Torres Strait Islander descent;
- Currently reside in Western Australia;
- Be working as an Aboriginal Health Worker;
- Meet Diploma course eligibility; and
- Have support from their employer to undertake study in 2009.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2009.