Giving back to rural health
As a farming family, we experienced financial hardship during years of drought. My scholarship allowed me to direct my full attention to my studies, enabling me to receive first class honours in my final year.”
Alumna Sophie Welsh (Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), 2021) is one of our health students from rural and remote areas taking up the challenge to support better health outcomes for rural Australians thanks to generous support available through the Betty Josephine Fyffe Rural Health Scholarships program.
As one of the program’s inaugural recipients in 2020, Sophie says connecting with Betty’s story added to her motivation to apply herself to helping others living in remote areas.
“My passion for rural health led me to complete my final year at the University’s Department of Rural Health in Port Macquarie, where I immersed myself in the local community of the Mid North Coast."
“I am now working at John Hunter Hospital which gives me a unique opportunity to participate in rural secondments through Hunter New England Health. I believe working at a tertiary hospital is enriching my skillset to give back to rural communities as my career progresses.”
Sophie hopes to also provide health promotion education to rural communities, ideally in community centres and schools, with an emphasis on making informed decisions for a healthier life, no matter where you come from.
We are so grateful to Betty Fyffe, and to everyone involved with The Elizabeth Cahill Fyffe Trust. Our particular thanks go to trustees Stephen Mathews and Michael Smith for upholding Betty's legacy and making this transformational program possible.
The Betty Fyffe Rural Equity Scholarship has helped me immensely through my university journey and I know it will help many other capable rural students in the future. That makes me truly ecstatic.”
Sophie Welsh
Honouring a passion for rural communities
Betty Fyffe was a local Tamworth girl who grew up around her father’s chemist shops. We are proud to honour her great passion for nursing and rural communities through this life-changing scholarship program dedicated to improving the education of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in training. It is a privilege to honour her legacy and witness our students’ passion to deliver more equitable health outcomes for all Australians.
Our Gifts in Wills brochure details how you can make a lasting impact beyond your lifetime. To receive your free copy, or for a confidential discussion about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Jacqueline Hamilton on 02 4921 8612 or email bequests@newcastle.edu.au
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.