2026 Scholarship recipients

Scholarships awarded to outstanding nurses

Donate now

Home

Scholarships, grants and awards

2026 Scholarship recipients

Bullwinkel Scholar recipients

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Alexandra McGlyn

In memory of Matron Irene Melville Drummond

Alexandra McGlyn

In memory of Matron Irene Melville Drummond

Alex is an RN with professional knowledge and experience developed at both tertiary and peripheral centres across NSW, the NT, and WA. This has been supplemented through postgraduate education and numerous courses. She is passionate about investing in early-career nurses to enhance the future of the nursing workforce. Alex has experience volunteering in developing countries and has a passion for health equality in Australia and beyond.

Dr Amanda Graf MACN

In memory of Sister Bessie Wilmott

Dr Amanda Graf MACN

In memory of Sister Bessie Wilmott

Dr Amanda Graf is a Senior Lecturer at Edith Cowan University with over 25 years of nursing experience. She transitioned to academia to mentor emerging practitioners and drive innovation in nursing education. Being selected as a Bullwinkel Scholar is an honour that will enable Amanda to collaborate with nurse leaders across Australia to establish a national preceptorship framework. This opportunity will strengthen her capacity to mentor others and lead with compassion, strength, and conviction. She is committed to contributing to a legacy of ethical, inclusive, and empathetic nursing leadership within the ACN Leadership Faculty and academia.

Emily Mishal

In memory of Sister Elaine Balfour Ogilvy

Emily Mishal

In memory of Sister Elaine Balfour Ogilvy

Emily is a nurse with almost 20 years of experience. Having worked 16 years in acute care, she has spent the last nearly four years at BreastScreen SA (BSSA), and is now the NUM of a small team. BSSA now sees over 100,000 mammograms annually, and is always improving accessibility for marginal groups. Emily has been involved in setting up Sensory Friendly Breast Screening Clinics for women with sensory sensitivities, neurodiverse women and those with past trauma. As well as this, her team piloted a project taking the mobile breast screening van inside the women's prison to screen prisoners. Being fairly new to the role of NUM, this scholarship will enable Emily to grow in her role as a NUM, and further benefit the nurses in her team, and more widely, many women in South Australia by equipping Emily with her leadership skills and to continue to engage and reach all women in SA with vital health screening services.

Emma Smith

In memory of Sister Minnie Ivy Hodgson

Emma Smith

In memory of Sister Minnie Ivy Hodgson

Emma is a Clinical Nurse Consultant with the WA Country Health Service Emergency Telehealth Service, with a nursing career spanning since 2010. Her background includes extensive experience in emergency and major trauma nursing, senior clinical coordination, and statewide telehealth support for regional and remote clinicians. Through the Bullwinkel Scholarship, Emma seeks to further develop strategic leadership, human factors expertise, and health-systems influence, enabling her to strengthen emergency care delivery across Western Australia. The scholarship will support her transition from senior clinical leadership into broader system-level nursing leadership, amplifying her impact on patient safety, workforce capability, and equitable access to emergency care.

Fang Liu

In memory of Sister Mary Elizabeth 'Beth' Cuthbertson

Fang Liu

In memory of Sister Mary Elizabeth 'Beth' Cuthbertson

Fang Liu is a nurse with over 10 years’ experience primarily in mental health across acute and community mental health services with various roles such as mental health clinician, ANUM, nurse consultant and etc. Currently, also completing Master of Nurse Practitioner program. Fang is passionate about recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centred care. The Bullwinkel Leadership Scholarship will enable her to complete the Nursing Unit Manager Leadership Program, strengthening her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor emerging clinicians, and advance evidence-based mental health nursing leadership within Australia’s public health system.

James Somerville

In memory of Lieutenant Lorna Florence Fairweather

James Somerville

In memory of Lieutenant Lorna Florence Fairweather

James is the Learning and Development Programs Manager with St John of God International Health. He holds a Master’s in Remote and Indigenous Health, serves as an Army reservist and has experience in primary health care, remote area nursing, management and nursing education. James is passionate about health equity and advancing quality care in low-resource environments. James is honoured to be named a Bullwinkel Scholar and believes the scholarship will enhance his leadership capability, provide valuable networking opportunities, and strengthen his ability to support positive change and lead sustainable quality improvements within his workplace.

Associate Professor Jason Mills FACN

In memory of Sister Ellen Nell Louisa Keats

Associate Professor Jason Mills FACN

In memory of Sister Ellen Nell Louisa Keats

Associate Professor Jason Mills is a passionate advocate for compassionate leadership in nursing. He is currently Chair of ACN’s End-of-Life Care Faculty, and Academic Lead – Nursing, in the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Having previously served in the ADF, he is a proud champion for health promotion across the life course, with a special interest in improving wellbeing among the Australian veteran community. He is both humbled and honoured to be a Bullwinkel Scholar, and will use this opportunity to strengthen leadership capability in his new role as Deputy Director of the Flinders Open Door Initiative.

Jazmyn Bambie

In memory of Sister Mona Margaret Anderson Tait / Sponsored by Aspen Medical Foundation

Jazmyn Bambie

In memory of Sister Mona Margaret Anderson Tait / Sponsored by Aspen Medical Foundation

Jazmyn Bambie is a proud Indigenous woman with paternal connections to Darnley Island and maternal connections to New Zealand. She is an experienced nurse dedicated to delivering culturally safe and inclusive care. In her roles as a clinical facilitator, team leader, and oncology nurse, she mentors staff, coordinates daily operations, and supports patients through complex health needs. Her leadership reflects empathy, cultural consciousness, and strong advocacy for marginalised communities. This scholarship will provide Jazmyn with advanced training to strengthen her strategic communication and management skills, supporting her aspiration to become an NUM who empowers diverse teams and drives meaningful, patient-centred change.

Sponsored by

Jennifer Barreto Arroyave

In memory of Sister Mona Margaret Anderson Tait

Jennifer Barreto Arroyave

In memory of Sister Mona Margaret Anderson Tait

Jennifer is an acting nurse unit manager (NUM) and RN with over eight years’ experience across public and private acute mental health services, supported by postgraduate qualifications in Social Work and Mental Health. From an immigrant background, Jennifer understands the importance of cultural safety, inclusion, and advocacy in health care. Her background includes experience in inpatient, community, and crisis-response settings, where she has led multidisciplinary teams and delivered recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. As the partner of a former Defence member with 20 years of service, Jennifer values resilience and service. She is passionate about leadership development, quality improvement, and advancing safe, compassionate mental health nursing through advocacy, staff mentorship, and service improvement to enhance outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. This scholarship will support Jennifer’s leadership development and strengthen her contribution to mental health nursing.

Jessica Heath/Nolan

In memory of Sister Nancy Harris

Jessica Heath/Nolan

In memory of Sister Nancy Harris

Jessica is deeply honoured to be awarded the 2025 ACN Foundation Bullwinkel Leadership Scholarship. A Clinical Nurse with over a decade of experience across complex chronic disease, acute care and quality and safety. Jessica is passionate about leading with integrity, compassion and purpose. This scholarship will support her ongoing leadership development, strengthening her capabilities in workforce leadership, governance, and service improvement. She is committed to lifelong learning and to contributing positively to the nursing profession by supporting teams, improving patient outcomes and fostering strong, values-driven healthcare environments. Jessica is incredibly grateful to the ACN Foundation for this opportunity and the belief they have shown in her leadership journey.

Katie Gregory

In memory of Sister Mary Eleanor Ellie McGlade

Katie Gregory

In memory of Sister Mary Eleanor Ellie McGlade

Katie is an RN with 13 years of clinical experience across perioperative and critical care settings, working in high-acuity environments where clinical excellence and teamwork are essential. She holds a Master of Clinical Nursing, with subspecialty training in curriculum design and the evaluation of education programs. Katie has a strong passion for Adult and Paediatric Advanced Life Support education and is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based training that supports confident clinical practice. Outside of nursing, Katie is a competitive cyclist and enjoy balancing training and racing with life as a parent to two young children.

Khushdeep Randhawa

In memory of Sister Clarice Halligan

Khushdeep Randhawa

In memory of Sister Clarice Halligan

Khushdeep is a NUM with extensive experience in aged care leadership. He has demonstrated strong clinical governance, workforce management, and quality improvement skills while leading multidisciplinary teams in complex care environments. Khushdeep is passionate about developing future nursing leaders, improving resident outcomes, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning. Through the ACN Leadership Program, he aims to further strengthen his strategic leadership capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession.

Squadron Leader Koryn Roberts MACN

In memory of Sister Esther Sarah Jean 'Stewie' Stewart

Squadron Leader Koryn Roberts MACN

In memory of Sister Esther Sarah Jean 'Stewie' Stewart

Koz joined the RAAF twenty years ago, as a Nursing Officer and has worked as a nurse in theatre, ICU, acute neurosurgery and emergency. A passion for trauma and emergency nursing has led Koz back to school, completing a graduate certificate and masters in acute care / trauma and Emergency Nursing; knowledge she puts into practice by working as a causal in a busy QLD ED. Koz’s military service has seen her posted too many locations, providing primary, emergency, and aeromedical health services, domestically and oversea (including the Middle East and Afghanistan), at times, within austere locations, and ran a health centre during the peak of CoVID. Koz’s current role allows the consolidation of the knowledge and skills gained over the years, to plan and coordinate the RAAFs enabling functions of operations and exercises. Koz’s is the deputy chair of the Military Faculty in the Australian College of Nursing, providing an avenue to channel her commitment to the growth and development of nurses and the nursing profession. Koz is also a board member on the Belinda McGowan Foundation, which facilitates the placement of cuddle beds to support palliative patients and their families during their deaths. Koz is married to her childhood sweetheart, Adam, with two children, Dane and Jensen.

Captain Krezeil Lacorte

In memory of Lieutenant Florence 'Flo' Rebecca Casson

Captain Krezeil Lacorte

In memory of Lieutenant Florence 'Flo' Rebecca Casson

Krezeil A Lacorte is a Nursing Officer in the Australian Defence Force, specialising in intensive care and currently posted to 3rd Health Battalion. She brings a strong clinical foundation, having practised as a registered nurse overseas in the Philippines from 2012 to 2017 and in New Zealand from 2017 to 2019, before commissioning into the ADF in 2019. These experiences have strengthened her adaptability, clinical decision-making and cross-cultural communication. The Nurse Director Leadership Program will enhance her strategic leadership, governance, and workforce management skills, enabling her to lead high-performing teams, strengthen operational readiness, and shape the future of military nursing practice.

Kylee Ross MACN

In memory of Sister Dorothy Gwendoline ‘Buddy’ Elmes

Kylee Ross MACN

In memory of Sister Dorothy Gwendoline ‘Buddy’ Elmes

Kylee is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years’ experience across acute, community, leadership and nursing informatics roles within Victoria’s public health system. As Chief Nursing and Midwifery Informatics Officer at Western Health, she leads clinically driven digital transformation, ensuring technology strengthens patient safety, governance and person-centred care. Kylee is passionate about strengthening the voice of nurses and midwives in digital strategy and decision-making. The Bullwinkel Scholarship will support her transition from clinical informatics leader to nurse executive, enabling her to influence system-level change and shape the future of nursing and midwifery leadership in digital health.

Major Lee-Ann Pine

In memory of Sister Florence Aubin Salmon

Major Lee-Ann Pine

In memory of Sister Florence Aubin Salmon

Lee-Ann is a Nursing Officer with over 21 years of clinical experience, including 16 years of dedicated service within Defence. Her professional journey began in the civilian health sector, where she specialised in perioperative nursing at Flinders Medical Centre, SA. In this environment, she held senior clinical and leadership roles including Assistant Nurse Unit Manager, Theatre Coordinator, and member of the liver transplant and organ donation teams. Completion of the Emergency Perioperative Nursing Course in 2005 laid the foundation for her clinical leadership and operational readiness. Major Pine entered the ADF as a direct entry Nursing Officer in 2009. Major Pine is currently posted to G07 Army - Health as SO2 Health Governance, where she advances Army's health governance framework and strategic capability development. She is currently working towards her Master's in Healthcare Management at QUT.

Nyn Parthan

In memory of Sister Alma May Beard

Nyn Parthan

In memory of Sister Alma May Beard

Nyn is an experienced cardiac catheter laboratory nurse with over a decade of clinical expertise across Australia, Ireland, and India. Known for her commitment to patient safety, education, and evidence-based practice, she currently serves as Acting Clinical Development Nurse at Canberra Hospital. Receiving this ACN scholarship will strengthen her leadership in cardiac nursing, enhance her capacity to deliver high-quality education, and support her ongoing contribution to clinical excellence and workforce development. This opportunity will empower her to advance her career while continuing to foster safe, compassionate, and progressive care for patients and colleagues.

Odette Teerink

In memory of Sister Peggy Everett Farmaner

Odette Teerink

In memory of Sister Peggy Everett Farmaner

Odette Teerink is a Registered Midwife at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Qld, committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based, woman-centred care. Her career spans clinical practice, research, and education, including roles as Acting Clinical Coach and Clinical Research Midwife. Becoming a Bullwinkel Scholar will empower Odette to move from a natural leader within practice to a leader of practice, shaping positive culture, robust policy, and high standards in maternity care. This opportunity will strengthen her advocacy for equity, safety, and innovation while supporting her postgraduate Midwifery studies, enabling her to drive meaningful change across the profession.

Olga Novak MACN

In memory of Sister Kathleen Margaret Neuss

Olga Novak MACN

In memory of Sister Kathleen Margaret Neuss

Olga is a dedicated and compassionate RN at Seymour Health, driven by a commitment to regional care and a belief that hard work transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary achievements. She is committed to setting a standard of clinical excellence, aspiring to be an inspirational leader and professional who champions the wellbeing of her local community. The prestigious Bullwinkel Scholarship will be transformative by providing Olga with the deep appreciation and crucial resources to honour Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel's legacy. It enables her to elevate her leadership capabilities by funding her participation in ACN’s Nurse Unit Manager Leadership Program, while already taking part in the Emerging Nurse Leader (ENL) Program. This is a pivotal opportunity that will enhance her ability to lead evidence-based practice and change. Furthermore, it will directly improve patient outcomes and solidify her role in shaping the future of Australian nursing leadership.

Renée Deleuil MACN

In memory of Sister Ada Joyce Bridge

Renée Deleuil MACN

In memory of Sister Ada Joyce Bridge

Renée is an accomplished leader with extensive nursing experience, holding several senior nursing roles. Renee recently commenced as the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Information Officer for the Child and Adolescent Health Service. Renée holds a Master of Nursing (Research), and a Master of Nurse Practitioner. In becoming a Bullwinkel Scholar, Renée would not only honour the legacy of a remarkable nurse, she would also honour her own journey of resilience. With this scholarship, Renée  would be better positioned to lead with authenticity, advocate with courage, and inspire others to rise above adversity and shape the future of our profession.

Samantha Elrick MACN

In memory of Sister Rosetta Joan Wight

Samantha Elrick MACN

In memory of Sister Rosetta Joan Wight

Samantha (Sam) Elrick is a respected healthcare leader in Tasmania with over three decades of experience in nursing and clinical leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Nursing at the Flinders Island Multipurpose Centre and TruWana/Cape Barren Island Community Health Centre/Clinic, where she oversees the operational and strategic functions of the facility. Sam has a broad range of clinical experiences including emergency, remote area nursing, complex case management and aged care assessment. She has worked in clinical and management positions in both the private and public sectors. Sam worked as Head of Department of Clinical Nursing at the International University of Health Sciences in Kampla, Uganda, training nurses for the Ugandan health system. While in Uganda, Sam was involved in research exploring the concept of ‘care’ for Ugandan nurses and how their lived experience of life and health care in Uganda impacted their ability to ‘care’ for patients. This research was later presented at an African Nursing Conference in Zambia.

Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholar recipient

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Karen Tuqiri

In memory of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel

Karen Tuqiri

In memory of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel

Karen is the Director of Nursing at Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, with over 30 years of experience in nursing. She holds a Master of Health Service Management, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management, and is a PhD candidate with a focus on person-centred care and patient safety. This scholarship will enable her attendance at the Global Conference on Person-Centred Care in Gothenburg, Sweden and support collaborations in Northern Ireland and the UK, strengthening her leadership and ability to influence nursing innovation. Karen believes receiving this scholarship is one of her greatest professional honours.

Emerging Policy Leader Program scholarship recipients

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Elsie Manyau MACN

As the Vulnerable Families Clinical Nurse Consultant in Drug and Alcohol Services, Elsie is deeply committed to supporting parents who use substances while safeguarding the wellbeing of their children. Her passion lies in strengthening parenting capacity through trauma-informed, family-centred care that recognises both parental strengths and child needs. The Emerging Policy Leader Program Scholarship will enhance her ability to translate frontline clinical insights into effective policy, ensuring services are responsive, compassionate, and evidence-based. It will also strengthen her leadership in supporting and upskilling the workforce caring for vulnerable families, fostering sustainable systems that improve outcomes for parents, children, and the clinicians who support them.

Jade Chen MACN

Jade is a clinical nurse specialist coordinating older adult mental health inpatient admissions and transfers, committed to delivering safe, high-quality care and driving continuous improvement. Receiving the Emerging Policy Leader scholarship will empower her to develop evidence-based policy frameworks that strengthen clinical supervision and governance across older adult mental health teams. This opportunity will enhance Jade’s influence in shaping mental health policy and support her progression toward strategic leadership roles in nursing.

Lele Xu MACN

Lele is an RN at Monash Health with extensive experience in renal and haemodialysis care, and a strong interest in health policy development. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) with High Distinction and has contributed to both academic and professional nursing publications. Lele is passionate about translating frontline nursing insights and research evidence into effective health policy, particularly in the areas of chronic disease management and health equity. The Emerging Policy Leader Program will equip her with advanced policy skills and networks to influence evidence-informed decision-making and advocate for sustainable, patient-centred health systems.

Mark Novak MACN

Mark is a highly committed and versatile healthcare professional who currently holds a nurse-in-charge role within regional Victorian aged care. With a Bachelor of Nursing and a unique background in Conservation Biology, Mark brings a broad perspective on care and stewardship to his local community. He is dedicated to expanding his leadership capabilities and driving positive change in the nursing profession. This scholarship will support his participation in ACN’s Emerging Policy Leader Program, alongside his entry into Stage 4 of the Emerging Nurse Leader program in 2026. This combined journey is pivotal, enabling Mark to transition his clinical expertise into policy influence by directly shaping the future of aged care and regional health services across Australia.

Rachael Ferris MACN

Rachael Ferris is an advanced practice nurse, recognised in 2025 with a Young Achiever Award for her leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes in rural and refugee communities. In 2026, she will return to rural NSW as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Armidale Rural Hospital and an academic at the University of New England. Rachael is delighted to join the ACN Emerging Policy Leader Program, where she hopes to strengthen her policy literacy and contribute to shaping equitable, community-centred health policy. She looks forward to applying these insights across her clinical, academic and leadership roles , working with vulnerable communities.

Emerging Research Leader Program scholarship recipients

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Aleena Varughese MACN

Aleena is a perioperative clinical nurse specialist with 17 years of clinical experience. Currently working at the Grampians Health, Ballarat. She is committed to evidence-based practice, patient safety and the mentorship of early-career nurses. The Emerging Nurse Research Scholarship will strengthen her research capability, enabling her to translate clinical questions into meaningful research that improves perioperative patient outcomes. This scholarship will support her development as a nurse researcher and clinical leader, contributing to innovation, quality improvement, and the advancement of nursing practice at local and national levels.

Alison Trivella MACN

Alison is an experienced clinician and nurse educator, with a background in perioperative nursing and rural and remote practice. Her 25-year career spans clinical practice, education, quality and safety, and leadership roles. Her passion lies in strengthening workforce capability through evidence-aligned education, quality improvement, and practice development. Alison has a strong interest in designing, delivering, and evaluating education and training initiatives that support clinicians working in complex, rural, remote, and evolving models of care. Receiving this scholarship marks a key step in Alison’s professional journey supporting her move from using research to inform education and quality improvement toward actively contributing to nursing research. It will strengthen my ability to support and mentor others while also laying the groundwork for a more research-active leadership role and future scholarly contribution.

Elizabeth (Lisa) Evans MACN

Lisa is a senior nurse leader and healthcare redesign specialist with extensive experience in emergency nursing, quality improvement, and healthcare redesign in regional settings. She is the creator of the Achieving Improvement Masterclass (A_I_M) Program, supporting clinicians to lead meaningful, system-level change. As an emerging nurse researcher, Lisa is building capability to translate improvement work into rigorous, publishable research. The ACN Emerging Research Leadership Program will strengthen her research skills, credibility, and leadership, enabling her to lead high-quality, regionally relevant research, influence practice and policy, and mentor others to embed nursing research into everyday care.

Yangyang Fan MACN

Yangyang is an RN specialising in stoma care, wound management, and continence nursing. With a strong interest in evidence-based practice, she is passionate about improving the quality of life for patients with complex gastrointestinal and surgical needs. The Emerging Research Leader Program will support Yangyang to develop her research skills, contribute to clinically relevant nursing evidence, and strengthen her capacity to translate research into practice. This opportunity represents a significant step in her career progression toward advanced practice and leadership in nursing research and patient-centred care.

Geraldine Roderick MACN

Geraldine is a nursing academic at the University of Southern Queensland with over 30 years of experience in paediatric and child health nursing across Ireland, the UK, and Australia. She has held leadership roles at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London and specialised in paediatric critical care and retrieval nursing. Geraldine is eager to learn from experienced mentors, contribute to meaningful research, and ultimately lead initiatives that influence nursing education and clinical practice. This scholarship will strengthen her research capability and ability to translate evidence into practice, supporting her vision to advance safe, patient and family-centred care across diverse communities.

Kathy Chapman MACN

Kathy is a Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant at Maitland Hospital, NSW. With a strong foundation in respiratory care developed at John Hunter Hospital’s Respiratory Department, Kathy has extensive experience in delivering best-practice care for patients with complex respiratory conditions. Her passion for research translation and improving patient outcomes drives her commitment to enhancing the journey of individuals living with COPD, particularly during transitions from hospital to home. Kathy is dedicated to advancing clinical excellence and leadership within respiratory nursing.

Thi Thuy Tien Nguyen MACN

Tien is a Critical Care Registered Nurse currently pursuing a post-graduate Master of Advanced Nursing (Intensive Care), with a strong interest in sustainable healthcare delivery. She recognises that pharmaceuticals and medical equipment contribute significantly to healthcarerelated carbon emissions in Australia, particularly in high-acuity settings. The Emerging Research Leader Program will equip her with the research and leadership skills to investigate and explore more sustainable clinical practice, procurement, and policy development. This program will support her goal of using research to drive system-level change while maintaining patient safety and advancing nursing leadership in sustainability in health care.

William Wallace MACN

William Wallace is the Rural Health Academic Network Coordinator for Northeast Health Wangaratta, supporting clinician researchers, building the organisation’s research capacity and conducting research through the lens of rural practice. Clinically, Wil works as an emergency CCRN at Northeast Health Wangaratta and for Medical Edge Australia. This scholarship will help Wil to develop the skills needed to coordinate larger studies, while also providing a community of practice to draw upon and feed into as part of his efforts to build clinician-researcher capacity and address barriers that limit nurses’ involvement in research activities.

Endometriosis Australia Scholarship recipients

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Belinda Connolly

As a clinical nurse (CN), Belinda is committed to empowering people with knowledge that enhances quality of life and supports long-term health outcomes. Having navigated her own endometriosis journey, Belinda is passionate about helping create a future where menstrual health education is strengthened, stigma is reduced, and early symptom recognition is normalised. She is grateful for this scholarship and confident that what she learns will enable her to make a meaningful contribution to improving awareness and achieving better health outcomes for current and future generations.

Caitlyn Rogers MACN

Caitlyn Rogers is an Educator and CEO of Endometriosis WA, working to support education, advocacy and nurse-led care. With both professional and lived experience of endometriosis, she is passionate about improving outcomes through evidence-based practice and accessible support. This opportunity will enable Caitlyn to further develop her clinical and leadership capability and apply this knowledge directly to Endometriosis WA programs, including clinician education, community engagement and peer-support initiatives. It will strengthen her ability to translate research into practice and contribute to sustainable, person-centred endometriosis care across Western Australia. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to ensuring every person feels seen, heard and supported.

Caroline Newell

Caroline Newell is a Clinical Nurse Consultant and Clinic Coordinator of the Early Intervention Pelvic Pain CONNECT Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital. With almost a decade of experience in acute and chronic pain management, Caroline is passionate about improving outcomes for people living with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain. This scholarship will enable her to deepen her specialist knowledge, strengthen evidence-based care, and enhance her role as a clinical leader, educator, and advocate. It represents an important step in her career, supporting her commitment to advancing women’s health and integrated pelvic pain services.

Dolly John

Dolly John is an Emergency Nurse Practitioner at The Northern Hospital, Epping, with eight years of experience in the role. She holds an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, a BSc in Acute and Critical Care, and a Diploma in Accident and Emergency Nursing, and is also a qualified midwife with a special interest in women’s health and skills in performing first-trimester point-of-care ultrasound. By undertaking the endometriosis course, Dolly will be better equipped to advocate for improved pathways of care for women presenting with endometriosis symptoms in both the emergency department and the community, while also providing valuable education and support to fellow NPs, nurses, and medical colleagues.

Hannah McCall

Currently working as a surgical/admissions nurse at her local public hospital, Hannah moved to Central West NSW from Canberra with the hope of providing quality care to those in regional areas. As a clinician and someone with lived experience of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, Hannah has witnessed how health inequities contribute to poorer health outcomes for those in regional communities. Her goal is to specialise in gynaecological health, providing holistic care for those affected in her local area. This scholarship will assist in furthering and implementing clinical knowledge, skills, and management strategies to ensure safe, effective, quality nursing care.

Isabella Fleet

Isabella is a dedicated rural registered nurse (RN) based in Longreach, Queensland. Working across primary health care and emergency care, she sees firsthand the impact delayed diagnosis and limited specialist access have on patients with endometriosis.  Living with endometriosis herself, Isabella understands the physical, emotional and professional challenges of the condition. This lived experience drives her commitment to improving care for other women within her community and further surrounding areas. The opportunity for a scholarship focused on endometriosis care assists in enhancing her clinical expertise, and enables her to provide more informed, empathetic and evidence-based care to women in remote Queensland.

Jennifer Jackson

Jennifer is an RN and midwife and has completed certification in Adult Education. She has extensive experience in women’s health nursing and is currently employed by Evoca Women’s Health in Epping, Victoria, as their Women’s Health Program Manager. Jennifer’s current role involves managing Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program federal grants for Evoca Women’s Health Centres. This requires a deep understanding for the physiology of Endometriosis in order to educate and empathise with women in her care, and for a deeper engagement with medical practitioner colleagues. The opportunity for further education under the ACN scholarship will provide specific provisions to elevate her ability in patient assessment within the clinical setting and aid in patient education regarding appropriate investigation, treatment, and management options. It will also enhance her engagement in the reporting and review of the Federal Grant program, allowing her to pursue ongoing improvements for patients with Endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Jennifer Singleton

Jennifer has worked as an emergency nurse for almost 18 years, with a longstanding goal of becoming an NP. She completed her Master’s degree several years ago and has since completed her NP training. In her current role as an emergency NP, Jennifer cares for patients of all ages with a wide range of presentations. She has a particular interest in pelvic pain and endometriosis, recognising this as an underserved population within emergency care. Jennifer looks forward to expanding her knowledge through the ACN and Endometriosis Australia scholarship and applying this learning to improve everyday clinical practice.

Jennifer Waterson MACN

Jennie Waterson is an NP specialising in mental health. She commenced with a rural medical clinic in January and as a Clinical Nurse Consultant for Darling Downs Health's Perinatal Mental Health Service. She works from a biopsychosocial approach to support women and their partners, including mental health conditions, birth trauma, infertility, and pain management. Jennie is a credentialed registered mental health nurse and nicotine treatment specialist. She has contributed to national and state initiatives to improve the quality of specialist perinatal services and resources that support maternal and paternal mental health.

Jess Davis

Jess has been working in a women's health clinic in Melbourne for over four years. During that time, Jess became a nurse cervical screening (CST) provider and runs a nurse-led CST Clinic. Jess is incredibly passionate about providing a positive and empowering healthcare experience for women and promoting good health. This scholarship will allow Jess to develop a more in-depth knowledge of pelvic pain and endometriosis, which will enable her to better support women suffering from these conditions. Jess would also love to use this opportunity to identify models of pelvic pain and endometriosis care that better utilise nurses, creating a more effective healthcare journey for patients.

Johanna McShane

As a nurse and midwife with 32 years of experience, currently working in sexual and reproductive health, the scholarship supports a strong commitment to ongoing education and clinical excellence. It aligns with Johanna’s desire to continue growing as a clinician while delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. The scholarship will enhance her knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain, strengthening her ability to provide informed, compassionate, and person-centred care. This professional development will contribute to improved health outcomes, increased advocacy, and leadership within sexual and reproductive health services.

Julia Sharp

Julia is a Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse Consultant working across Western NSW, walking alongside families during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. Her passion for women’s health has grown from witnessing how conditions like endometriosis can quietly shape the postnatal experience, often overlooked, misunderstood, and under-supported. Julia has seen firsthand the impact unmanaged pain, fatigue, and hormonal changes can have on new mothers and their ability to recover and bond. Being awarded the Endometriosis Study Scholarship through the Australian College of Nursing is a profound honour, strengthening her commitment to advocacy, education, and better care for women, particularly in rural and remote communities.

Lauren Hwang

Lauren is a nurse practitioner candidate with a strong clinical interest in women’s health and chronic pelvic pain. She is committed to improving timely, evidence-based care for people living with endometriosis. Receiving an ACN Foundation Scholarship for Endometriosis will strengthen her advanced clinical knowledge, diagnostic confidence, and multidisciplinary care skills. This opportunity will directly enhance her practice as a future nurse practitioner, supporting earlier recognition, improved management and better patient-centred outcomes for those affected by endometriosis in primary health settings.

Lauren Renshaw

Lauren has been a nurse for seven years. She has worked in the emergency department in the UK and here in Australia, making the move to sexual health in early 2025. This has helped her develop skills within the women’s health sphere, something she has always been very passionate about. Receiving this scholarship will enable her to further strengthen her knowledge base and skill set, allowing her to continue advocating for and caring for patients under her care in the best possible way.

Li Yan

Li Yan is a clinical nurse specialist in a correctional facility and a practice nurse in primary care. Holding a Graduate Certificate in neuroscience and currently undertaking a Master of Mental Health Nursing, Li is committed to advancing evidence-based, patient-centred care for women in custodial settings. Her clinical focus includes chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, often complicated by co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This scholarship will enable Li to deepen her expertise, strengthen culturally sensitive approaches, and enhance her capacity to improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable patient populations.

Michelle Woods

Michelle Woods is a highly skilled NP with a Doctorate and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado, specialising in adult primary health care. She currently serves in the Emergency Department at the Royal Hobart Hospital and extends primary care services through Moreton Group Medical Service and Complete Care Pharmacy. Her clinical expertise spans urgent and primary care, with a strong focus on women’s health. Michelle provides comprehensive care, inclusive of reproductive and sexual health, early pregnancy complications, pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and menopause management. She ensures personalised and evidence-based support for women across all life stages.

Natasha Haynes

Natasha has been an NP in paediatric pain management since 2011 and was previously a midwife, currently working in NSW Health and private practice. Her passion is in non-pharmacological pain management strategies with additional training in hypnotherapy, meditation and mindfulness. With the increasing presentations of pelvic pain in adolescents and young women, Natasha would like to enhance the care provided to this cohort and collaborate with other services within the health system to provide quality evidence-based care, enhancing the quality of life through education, support and guidance.

Natasha Mutombe

A curious, resourceful RN and CN with a Master of Nursing and a BA in Psychology, she brings a bold blend of academic rigour and experience across Canada, the UK and Australia. Wherever she has worked—Canadian mental health and justice settings, theatres in London, Melbourne, and Brisbane hospitals, primary health, teletriage, or CNC and in-charge roles in remote towns like Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Elliston, and Meekatharra —one constant has been encountering women plagued by endometriosis. This has shaped a multidimensional, unconventional view of the condition, recognising gaps spanning psychological consequences, perioperative limitations, diagnostic errors, and rural inequities. This fuelled hunger for knowledge to back leadership that will educate, advocate and reform existing practice to better serve communities, which Natasha hopes to achieve through this ANC scholarship opportunity.

Rachel Hawkes-Bennett

Rachel is a nurse practitioner (NP) from Gippsland, working in Primary Health Care with a special interest in women’s health. Rachel grew up in Gippsland and enjoys being able to bring affordable health care to the region. Being awarded the Endometriosis Australia Nurses Scholarship will enable Rachel to undertake the endometriosis and pelvic pain unit offered by ACN. On course completion, Rachel will be able to confidently manage patients with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Rachel’s extensive knowledge will help women access skilled care in their local area, without needing to travel out of the shire, ensuring accessible health care.

Ruby Shevlin

Ruby is an RN working at Leichhardt General Practice. The practice was awarded a grant for endometriosis/pelvic pain from the federal government, and since then, Ruby has focused on patient education and care coordination. She also has a nurse-led cervical screening clinic that helps identify people who have pelvic pain that hasn’t previously been addressed. Ruby has completed further study into sexual and reproductive health and is looking forward to extending her knowledge in endo/pelvic pain. Ruby is passionate about helping patients understand their pain and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

Sarah Soewarno MACN

Sarah is a dedicated RN working in a busy general practice clinic, where she supports patients with endometriosis, PCOS and chronic pelvic pain. With lived experience through family and friends, Sarah brings a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed approach to women’s health. She leads cervical screening initiatives, educates young women, and advocates for early recognition and evidence-based management of gynaecological conditions. Receiving this scholarship will strengthen her knowledge and enhance her ability to provide specialised care. Sarah plans to pursue the RN Prescriber Pathway and hopes to improve care pathways, reduce diagnostic delays, and help women feel truly heard and supported.

Sophie Newman

Sophie is an RN based in Melbourne. She has two years of clinical experience across urology, gynaecology, surgical, emergency and orthopaedic settings. Living with endometriosis has deeply influenced her nursing practice, reinforcing the importance of trauma-informed care at every stage of a patient’s journey. Sophie is passionate about advocacy, clear communication and creating safe, respectful healthcare experiences, particularly for patients navigating pain, vulnerability and complex health conditions.

Yen Shan Lee

Yen Shan Lee is a passionate nurse currently working in a hybrid role as both a diabetes educator and an RN in a primary healthcare setting. With a deep commitment to improving community health, she is dedicated to bringing positive change to primary healthcare delivery. Through a Graduate Diploma, she aims to expand her skills and knowledge to better support and empower patients in managing chronic conditions. This scholarship will provide valuable opportunities for advanced education and make a significant contribution to shaping a healthier future for the community.

Pacific Island Nations Nursing Scholarship recipients

Tap a profile to read the scholarship recipient’s bio.

Ana Koliniwai

Ana is an RN with over 20 years of experience serving the community of Ebeye in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. She serves as the Nursing Supervisor and Program Coordinator for the Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Programs, providing leadership for Family Planning and Prenatal Clinic services and overseeing community outreach initiatives. Ana has dedicated her career to improving maternal, neonatal, and women’s health outcomes in resource-limited settings. This scholarship will support her professional development, strengthen her leadership capacity, and enable her to contribute more effectively to evidence-based nursing practice and health system strengthening in the Pacific.

Losena Adimaimua

Losena is a dedicated perioperative nurse leader from the Pacific, committed to strengthening safe surgical care and empowering the nursing workforce. With experience managing perioperative services and mentoring emerging leaders, she strives to build systems that improve patient outcomes and support high-performing teams. The Pacific Islands Foundation Leadership Directors Program, sponsored by ACN, will equip her with advanced leadership, governance, and strategic planning skills. This scholarship will enhance her ability to influence policy, drive service improvements, and make meaningful contributions to national and regional health priorities. It will further accelerate her growth as a nurse leader and deepen her impact across the Pacific.

Support the future of nursing

Your donations make our scholarships, grants and awards possible. By contributing to the ACN Foundation, you help nurses access the education and training they need to excel in their careers and improve health care. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

Donate now