Geelong East Rotary has been a passionate supporter of the Indigenous Health Scholarship program
of Australian Rotary Health (ARH). A donation of $2,500 by RCGE is matched 1:1 by the Federal
Government, resulting in an Indigenous student receiving $5,000 to support their university studies.
of Australian Rotary Health (ARH). A donation of $2,500 by RCGE is matched 1:1 by the Federal
Government, resulting in an Indigenous student receiving $5,000 to support their university studies.
This year, ARH selected Jasmine John as our 2023 Indigenous Health Scholar. Jasmine recently provided a
report of her first semester at La Trobe in which she discussed the challenges she faced and the personal and
professional growth she has gained.
report of her first semester at La Trobe in which she discussed the challenges she faced and the personal and
professional growth she has gained.
Jasmine is originally from Broome, Western Australia and relocated to Melbourne at the beginning of 2023
to commence her studies at La Trobe University. She previously completed two years of university studies
in Physiotherapy, during which time she participated in tutoring Indigenous youth through the
Graham Polly Farmer Foundation. This kept her connected to her community and taught her a
lot about herself. She also decided to change her focus to Occupation Therapy as it provides a greater
range of opportunities to work in Indigenous communities.
to commence her studies at La Trobe University. She previously completed two years of university studies
in Physiotherapy, during which time she participated in tutoring Indigenous youth through the
Graham Polly Farmer Foundation. This kept her connected to her community and taught her a
lot about herself. She also decided to change her focus to Occupation Therapy as it provides a greater
range of opportunities to work in Indigenous communities.
Jasmine’s first semester results at La Trobe are outstanding, and she acknowledges the importance of the scholarship in helping her to adjust to her new life in Melbourne, away from family. She wants to use her knowledge to attempt to change drug and alcohol use and establish rehabilitation measures in remote communities across Australia. During the university break, Jasmine worked with Aboriginal youth of NSW, a population she is passionate about and with whom she wishes to work with in the future.
Jasmine concludes her report with these words:
Overall, this semester has been a great challenge for my own personal and professional growth, and I am excited to continue my studies.
Rotary Geelong East - Building a Healthy Nation through Indigenous Scholarships
