LAUNCH OF THE 2026 PURPLE BUSH MEDICINE LEAVES BURSARY PROGRAM on TUESDAY, 26 May 2026! On National Sorry Day – “From Sorry to Action”

About The Bursary Program

Now in its sixth year, the 2026 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program will be launched on Tuesday 26 May 2026, to coincide with National Sorry Day.

This day is also known as National Healing Day where we remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people of the Stolen Generation, who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

See the Video featuring Shannon Dodson, CEO of The Healing Foundation (a longstanding sponsor of the Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursaries) and additional resources on their website.

National Sorry Day also leads into the commencement of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) – Wednesday 27 May – 3 June, 2026. The theme for the #2026NRW is “All In ”

– “A Call for All Australians to commit wholeheartedly commit to reconciliation every single day”. See additional resources. These include choirs, resources and events near you in every state.

In 2026, we are also encouraged to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags during this week, where possible.

Now in its fifth year, the launch of the 2025 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program on Monday, 26 May 2025, coincided with National Sorry Day (also known as National Healing Day) .

This day also leads into the commencement of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) – 27 May – 3 June, 2025

The theme for the #2025NRW is “Bridging Now to Next ” (see additional resources).

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.

2026 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursaries

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 2026, at least five (5) bursaries to the value of $1500 will be available for this purpose, with the awards to be announced in NAIDOC Week (7-13 July 2026). The number of Bursaries has increased again this year, after last year increasing the bursary amount, thanks to the generous support of the donors.

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, is a Medical Graduate 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

Important Dates

Tues 26 May 2026 – Bursaries open on National Sorry Day
Wed 27 May – 3 Jun 2026 – Promotion during National Reconciliation Week
Mon 29 Jun 2026 – Closing date for Bursary Submissions
Sun 5-12 July 2026 – Awarding of bursaries during NAIDOC week

To Apply

Please apply by Monday 29 June 2026 using the on-line portal or by downloading the application form then emailing the completed form with personal statement to [email protected]

After they are announced during NAIDOC Week (5-12 July 2026), the Bursary recipients will be profiled in our AFMW eBulletin and on our website.

Previous Bursary Recipients

Read the inspiring stories of previous years’ recipients (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)

Thank You

We sincerely thank in particular, 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, Dr Mary Rita See and Pia du Pradal for their ongoing support for the Bursary Program.

Thanks too to the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association for their role in providing oversight, guidance and advice for the Program throughout the years.