Four students studying at La Trobe University’s Mildura campus have been awarded scholarships, as part of an Australian Government initiative to enable more students to study and work in regional Australia.
The students will receive $15,000 per year for up to four years of study, supporting them to complete their studies in a regional area as part of the Destination Australia program.
The four scholarship awardees bring the total recipients to 12 on the Mildura campus since the program was launched in 2020.
La Trobe Vice Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO welcomed the students to the Mildura campus, and said he hoped they would take advantage of the many benefits of studying in a regional community.
“As well as the lifestyle benefits, our regional students have fantastic employment outcomes due to strong work integrated learning opportunities and local industry support – including in areas like health and education,” Professor Dewar said.
“La Trobe has received more Destination Australia scholarships than any other university to support students – making our regional campuses a very attractive destination for students from Australia and around the world.”
Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said she was delighted to welcome more university students to Mildura, and looked forward to following their journey as they complete their studies and become involved in the local community.
“We know that if people study in the regions, they are more likely to stay in the regions. That’s why investment in tertiary education scholarships for towns like Mildura is a huge win,” Dr Webster said.
“With shortages in professions such as teaching and nursing, incentive programs like Destination Australia are one of the many tools in the tool-box that will have a big impact for regional communities like Mildura.”
Nursing student Gabby Gray decided to study nursing after spending many hours in hospital waiting rooms with her third child, and seeing the amazing work that nurses do.
Ms Gray said the scholarship will make a huge difference to her family.
“There are lots of extra costs associated with studying nursing, including organising childcare for my three kids and buying a laptop, so the scholarship means I will be able to help support my family while I study,” Ms Gray said.
Ms Gray will stay in Mildura after completing her studies, helping to bolster a critical workforce in the region and give back to her local community.
