IMPORTANT – APPLY TODAY – CLOSES 1 JULY 2024

About The Bursary Program

Now in its fourth year, the launch of the 2024 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program, (Sunday 26 May 2024) will coincide with National Sorry Day and at the commencement of National Reconciliation Week, with this year’s theme being “Now More Than Ever”.

As part of our commitment to reconciliation and the Makarrata Commission, the bursaries are offered to encourage and empower female medical graduates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, to further their medical career and/or leadership aspirations.

With these bursaries, we aspire to advance the parity of representation of First Nations Peoples in the Australian medical workforce, and in its leadership.

In 2024, up to four (4) bursaries to the value of $1250 will be available for this purpose, with the awards to be announced in NAIDOC Week July 2024.

Thank you again to the wonderful supporters and sponsors who have made this possible.

The recipients will be women who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, are Medical Graduates or in their final year of medicine of an Australian medical degree or course.

These bursaries will provide the recipient with a financial contribution to assist their attendance and/or presentation at a national or international meeting that focuses on issues related to Indigenous Medicine and Education, Women in Medicine, Ethics, Leadership and/or Governance (more details here).

To Apply

Please apply by Monday 1 July 2024 using the on-line portal (Applications open 26 May 2024) or by downloading the application form then emailing the completed form with personal statement to [email protected]

As in previous years, after they are announced during NAIDOC Week (2-7 July 2024) the Bursary recipients will be profiled in our eBulletin and on our Website.

Previous Bursary Recipients

Read the inspiring stories of previous years’ recipients (2023, 2022, 2021)

Thank You

We sincerely thank Louise Numina for the beautiful artwork associated with the bursaries, as well as Ochre Health, Ms Leann Wilson from Regional Economic Solutions, The Myuma Group, The Healing Foundation and Pia du Pradal for their ongoing support for the Bursary Program. Thanks too to The Australian Indigenous Doctors Association for their assistance throughout the years.

National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3)

“NOW MORE THAN EVER”

The official 2024 Reconciliation Week theme is Now More Than Ever.

The theme is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will -and must -continue.

This year the song is the iconic reconciliation anthem Blackfella/Whitefella by Warumpi Band. Read the Lyrics.