The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the recipients of Round 2 of the First Nations Cancer Scholarship, which provides financial and wellbeing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates undertaking further cancer-related postgraduate studies or research.
Funded through Cancer Australia and led by the Aurora Education Foundation, the scholarships are part of a $5.9 million, four-year commitment to build the workforce of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in cancer policy, research, and care.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The scholarship program aims to strengthen First Nations health leadership in cancer care and will contribute to the delivery of the Australian Cancer Plan.
This year’s recipients are:
- Liam White – Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics)
- Hannah Mason – Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Halijah Brewster – PhD: “Psychosocial Care of First Nations women diagnosed with breast cancer in Queensland, Australia”
The First Nations Cancer Scholarship program reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to addressing equity in health outcomes and supports community-led approaches to improving First Nations cancer care.
More information on the scholarship program is available on the Aurora Foundation website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Rebecca White MP
“To improve cancer outcomes for First Nations Australians, we must increase First Nations representation across all aspects of the cancer care community, especially in postgraduate research, clinical practice, and health education.
This year’s three new scholarship recipients join a growing community of future First Nations cancer leaders whose work will make a lasting difference in their communities.”
Quotes attributable to Aurora Education Foundation Acting CEO, Tamara Murdock
“The First Nations Cancer Scholarship reflects a shared commitment between Aurora and Cancer Australia to support First Nations students to pursue their educational pathways with the right support around them.
Increasing First Nations leadership is critical to driving better, more equitable cancer outcomes for our people. When our people are supported to lead on our own terms, the impact extends beyond the individual, strengthening families, communities and future generations.”
Quotes attributable to Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe
“Cancer Australia is proud to partner with Aurora Education Foundation. These scholarships are a vital part of implementing the Australian Cancer Plan and addressing workforce equity.
Cancer remains the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Increasing the number of First Nations researchers and health professionals in this field is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring care is culturally safe and effective.”
About the recipients:
- Kuku Yalanji man Liam White, who this year begins a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Queensland. Liam will develop advanced skills in both fixed and removable prosthodontics that will allow him to treat patients who have been impacted by oral cancer or undergone significant oral restructure after oral cancer treatment.
- Kamilaroi woman Hannah Mason, who this year begins a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University to build expertise in delivering tailored exercise-based prescription for cancer management.
- Djugun woman Halijah Brewster, who is completing her PhD at the University of Queensland. Halijah is researching the psycho-social factors that impact cancer care and cancer outcomes among First Nations women with breast cancer, particularly as it relates to screening uptake, early diagnosis and access to optimal treatment.
Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Guided by the Australian Cancer Plan, Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.
