Jenna

Dubbo, Optometry

I have loved the five years I have spent at Shalom - the experience has been fantastic! Coming from the country I was nervous about moving to Sydney. Shalom made the transition so easy and I soon made great friends in college!

Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program

“This program is a strong and eloquent contribution to our journey of reconciliation.”

- Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, Program Patron.

The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program offers residence at Shalom College to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at UNSW. The program runs in partnership with: the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation; UNSW’s Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit and the Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit.

Shalom College @ UNSW 1st Gamarada Doctor

Shalom College Head Dr Hilton Immerman and

Dr Beth Kervin, Shalom Gamarada's First Doctor

The program's name comes from the term Gamarada ngiyani yana in the Eora language (the coastal Aboriginal people of Sydney) and is translated as "We walk together as friends."

The premise behind the scholarship is to make a future contribution to address the state of Indigenous health, disadvantage and welfare in Australia.

Many Indigenous students find it difficult to succeed at university because they:

commonly come from deprived educational and socio-economic backgrounds
often live far from campus and spend many hours each day travelling on public transport
generally have to find part-time work to help support themselves and;
are seldom part of a “learning community” with friends and family members who have been or are engaged in higher education.

The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program helps to alleviate these problems by providing financial support, eliminating travelling time and creating an environment conducive to learning through tutoring and counselling support.

In 2011, the program expanded beyond medical and health science students to include students studying other disciplines.

“Our commitment must be to maximise the number of Indigenous doctors in the workforce and this wonderful initiative will make all the difference between an Aboriginal student who struggles to pass and one who progresses steadily through the program.”

- Professor Richard Henry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, UNSW

Since the program's inception in 2005, it has assisted 47 students. There are currently 23 Indigenous students at Shalom College, ranging from the 1st to the 4th year of their studies.

Funding

Each scholarship covers full board and tutoring support at Shalom College. However, students are required to make a nominal contribution of $50 per week. Scholarship holders who comply with the conditions of the scholarship (which includes having to pass each year of their study) have tenure until they complete their degrees.

The scholarship program is funded partly from the proceeds from the annual Shalom Gamarada Art Exhibition. In addition, there are scholarships funded by:

Clayton Utz Law Firm (2 scholarships)
Investec Bank Australia Limited
Medicines Australia (2 scholarships)
Private donors (4 scholarships)
Reuben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation
The Gonski Foundation (2 scholarships)
The JCA Benevolent Fund

Shalom College is working together with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) which is generously matches each scholarship.

How to Apply

First, you will need to submit an application to the college using the online application form, and ensure all sections are completed. This includes arranging for the completion of 2 referees reports.
Notify both Shalom College and the Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs at UNSW that you are interested in applying for a Shalom Gamarada Scholarship.
Submit an electronic copy of a 500 word essay to shalom@shalom.edu.au on the topic: "Why I believe I am a worthy candidate for the scholarship and how I plan to serve my community following graduation." Include a statement in which you indicate whether you receive or will be receiving Abstudy - and, if not, why not? [this is one way of establishing whether applicants to the scholarship are 'in financial need'.]

If you require any further clarification, please contact our accommodation officer, Roger on 9381 4000 or roger@shalom.edu.au.

Scholarship Recipients Profiles

Joseph McDonald is our most recent and 3rd graduate from the program. Joseph completed his 6 year medical degree in December 2011 and is now working as an intern for the hunter New England Area Health Service.

He said:

“The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship was a life-changing experience for me. The fact that I had a friendly and supportive home on campus with healthy meals, enabled me to do the job I had to do to pass my exams. The scholarship - without question - allowed me to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.

There is no substitute for Indigenous health professionals from the local community who are known and respected. The Scholarship provides Indigenous people with the opportunity for self-determination regarding their health outcomes."

Jenna Owen was the second graduate from our Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program. She is the first Indigenous optometrist ever in NSW and completed the 5 year degree at UNSW with a distinction average. She is now working in Port Macquarie and is serving some surrounding local Aboriginal communities.

Jenna lived at the college for the 5 year duration of her degree. She grew up in Albert, a town in western NSW with a population of 11. She then moved to Dubbo for High School. She said:

“Being an Indigenous student from a rural area, it would have been impossible for me to study Optometry having to live so far away from home because of the financial stress of accommodation, living expenses and travel costs. The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship has made my dream a reality and enabled me to be the first member of my family to attend university. Receiving the Shalom Gamarada Scholarship, and living here in Shalom College, has been an amazing experience for me. The cultural adjustment to studying and living in the city has been made smoother through the support I have had from friends at Shalom College.”

She is also a gifted golfer with a handicap of 4!

Dr Beth Kervin was our first graduate in 2009. She is now completing her second year of work as a doctor at Liverpool Hospital.

Beth is from Horningsea Park, NSW and lived in the college for 3 years as a Shalom Gamarada scholarship holder.

Beth commented:

"I am an Aboriginal woman from outside of Liverpool, and my people are from Guyra. I recently graduated as a doctor and am working at Liverpool Hospital. In future, I hope to specialise in paediatrics and to work with, and give back to, my community. I’m committed to contributing to improving the health of Indigenous people in this country. I would also like to be a role model for other Indigenous people considering studying medicine.

The scholarship meant that I no longer had to travel for 4 hours a day to attend my classes, and was able to commit more time to my demanding studies. The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship allowed me to turn the dream into a reality."

Meet some of the Current Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Students

Brylie Frost started her Medicine degree at UNSW in 2011. She is a Yuwaalaraay woman from the Central Coast of NSW. Brylie has assisted with the Nura Gili Winter School Program and organised tutoring sessions for first and second year Indigenous medical students through the UNSW Rural Clinical School. She has addressed and participated in the Medicines Australia Conference which is held annually.
Corey Kumar is a Wadi Wadi man from Wreck Bay, NSW, studying Medicine. He is currently in the 2nd year of his course. He is also a talented sportsman, having participated in the recent Indigenous games.
Danielle Hobday transferred to Law in 2012 having completed a Diploma of Humanities in 2011. She has received a cadetship from the Australian Federal Police and worked in the High Tech Crime Operations Portfolio in Canberra during university holidays. She descends from the Wiradjuri from Western NSW but grew up and is accepted by the Darkinjung people on the Central Coast of NSW.
Guy Dennis is currently researching post-surgery outcomes amongst Aboriginal patients in Newcastle as part of his Independent Learning Project (ILP) and is not resident in College in 2013. In 2012 he set up a facebook site for the Shalom medical students with the aim of teaching them study strategies. He has attended the International Indigenous Health Conference, PRIDOC in Alice Springs and we look forward to him returning to College in 2014. Guy is a Worimi man from Port Stephens, NSW.
Jason Sines is a Bundjalung man from Ballina, NSW. He is in his 2nd year of Medicine and is actively involved in College life. Jason was the Vice Captain of his high school, he is committed to Indigenous health and is hoping to work in an Indigenous community in the future.
Jess Kitch came to Shalom College in mid 2012. She is a Wiradjuri woman from Wellington, NSW who is the first member of her family to attend university. After completing her Diploma of Humanities in 2012 she has now begun a Law degree. She has undertaken work experience in a Law firm and received a scholarship from the Bar Association to attend the Indigenous Legal Conference. She is a keen sportswoman, attending the Indigenous Games in Cairns, and she plays football and netball competitively.
Khyarne Biles is in her 5th year of Medicine this year. In 2011 she was appointed as a tutor in College. She is actively involved in College social and sporting activities and has dedicated much time to providing care and support to other residents in College. She is a Ngemba woman, and grew up in Dubbo, NSW. After graduating, she intends returning to Dubbo to work and hopes to become a Paediatrician.
Laura Fitzgerald is currently in her 5th year of Medicine and has resided in College since 2009. Laura has served on the College’s Resident Society executive, has represented the College in a variety of sports and has acted as a summer tutor in College. She has also played a significant role at College in mentoring the younger Indigenous scholarship students. Laura is a Muruwari woman from the ACT.
Linda Kennedy is a Dharawal woman from Wollongong, NSW. Linda is in her 3rd year of an Architecture degree. She combines her studies with work as part of an internship program.
Lowanna Moran’s family is from the Kamilaroi Nation of Brewarrina and Walgett, though she has been living in Zetland NSW. She is studying a Bachelor of Arts/ Education and works part time at Taronga Zoo running overnight tours and presenting on both Indigenous perspectives and on birdlife. She is a student ambassador for Nura Gili and has travelled to the country to talk to students at various schools.
Luke Walker is a Wiradjuri man from Narromine, NSW. He is in his 2nd year of Medicine. Luke was the School Captain of his high school and has been involved in several fund-raising activities.
Maiysha Craig is a Gumbaynggirr woman from Coffs Harbour and from Bundjalung country, the northern coastal area of NSW. She is the first member of her family to go to University. Her grandmother was one of the first Indigenous nurses in the area. Maiysha has been a student ambassador for Nura Gili. She is passionate about medicine and very disciplined and motivated to work on diabetes in the Aboriginal community.
Mitchell Heritage is a Kuku Yalanji man from Brisbane and is in his 3rd year of a Commerce degree whilst working part time at Investec. He is a keen sportsman and has been the Sports Director of the Residents Society in College and also participated in the Indigenous Games. He is actively involved with the Nura Gili Centre at UNSW and has participated in the Pre-programs course for Indigenous students.
Mitch Sutton is now in his 4th year of Medicine and is currently based at the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Emergency Department for his Independent Learning Project research into antibiotic prophylaxis in wound management. He is a Punnilerpanner man from Tasmania.
Paul Brown is in his 3rd year of a Fine Arts / Arts degree. He is very interested in film work and time based art and hopes to get an internship in television. Paul hails from the Yuin Nation, Wadi Wadi and Bundjalung people and is from Narrabri in NSW.
Renee Wootton is in the 3rd year of engineering with the aim of becoming an aeronautical engineer. She is a strong sportswoman, and has been the Sports Director of the Residents Society at Shalom College. During her holidays she has worked at QANTAS. Renee belongs to the Tharawal people from Nowra, NSW but grew up in Marlee, NSW.
Sean Westbury is in his 3rd year of Medicine. He is a Wiradjuri man and he has worked at Nura Gili winter school and been a summer tutor at Shalom College.
Tammie Smith is a Dunghutti woman from Kempsey in NSW. She is studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in criminology. She has a strong interest in working for the government focussing on Aboriginal justice. Having experienced racism, she is very proactive in promoting Aboriginal awareness.
Teeyanna Tapim-Savage is a Birri-Gubba and Dauareb woman from Townsville, Queensland. She is in her 1st year of a combined Law degree. She is a strong basketball player and has been actively involved with Nura Gili.
Trent Boyle grew up in Lansdowne NSW, near Taree, he is a Wiradjuri man who is now pursuing his dream of studying Medicine. He hopes to become a specialist GP and return to work in Indigenous communities in rural areas. Trent was the school Vice Captain of his high school and participates in a variety of sports.
Jonathon Captain-Webb is in his second year of a combined Arts/ Law degree. He is an initiated Dunghutti man and has been involved with the PCYC and army cadets.
Savannah Joseph is a 1st year Civil and Environmental Engineering student who was born on Thursday Island. She completed her schooling in Cairns where she was School Captain of her primary school, and is a passionate musician and composer. She descends from the Wuthathi tribe of Cape York and the peoples of Torres Strait.
Murrie Kemp is a keen and talented rugby player who attended boarding school in Orange where he was selected as Head Boy Prefect of Boarding, before successfully gaining a place in the Bachelor of Exercise Physiology degree he started this year. He belongs to the Ghungalu people of Queensland where his father still lives.
Amy Kennedy is a Wiradjuri woman from Hillston in central western NSW. After attending her local central school, she completed her high schooling as a boarder in Orange where she established a support group for Indigenous students which is still running. She has commenced a Social Work degree and hopes to work with Indigenous communities in the future, including returning home to her own community.
Tamara Kenny is from Bodalla on the NSW South Coast and belongs to the Yuin Nation. After working hard in high school, including representing students on the SRC and being a House Captain, Tamara successfully gained a place in a Combined Law degree which she started this year.