In 2004, coinciding with the retirement of Dr William Hunter, the Barwon Division of General Practice established the Dr William Hunter Scholarship, the main objective of which is to support students studying medicine, allied health and nursing from the Moree Plains, Warialda, Bingara or Collarenebri districts. 

Since the program’s inception, it has supported many students, with around a third of the students returning to work in their chosen health field in a rural area.

A long-serving member of the Barwon Health Alliance, formally the Barwon Division of General Practice, Dr Di Coote said it was important to find new and innovative ways to encourage medical services to communities.

“This annual scholarship is a means of addressing and encouraging the very real problem of health professional retention in rural communities,” said Dr Coote.

“It is good to see this scholarship has been encouraging our local medical students to return to the area.”

Through the sponsorship of the scholarship from organisations such as the Moree Plains Shire Council and Moree Services Club, select students will be assisted with yearly academic costs of rent, books and associated university costs.

The program has supported over 18 students since its inception.

“MPSC acknowledges the importance of supporting our local community to recruit and retain medical staff,” Council’s general manager Lester Rodgers said.

Anna Winter was the successful applicant from 2016. Studying a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Anna completed four community placements in Moree. 

As part of this placement Anna was involved in nutritional talks to infant students at her old school.

“I had not set foot in the school since leaving for secondary education.”

Applications for the 2018 Scholarship close today. If you are interested in applying please email barwonHA@gmail.com