Queensland Ambulance Service supports Indigenous scholarships
When Sarah Evans, a Wiri woman, moved from Townsville to Brisbane to study nursing and paramedic science at QUT, she didn’t know a soul and worked several jobs to support herself.
Sarah couldn’t focus on her studies and feared not being able to continue.
“I was getting home from work at 9 or 10pm and studying until the early hours, and then getting up at 6am for work and classes,” the 19-year-old said.
Now, as an inaugural recipient of a Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Jamie Jackway Paramedic Scholarship, Sarah can concentrate on completing her dual Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree and fulfil her goal – to work with Indigenous communities and raise awareness of Indigenous health issues.
Sarah was born in Mackay and grew up in Townsville. At school, she thought of pursuing a healthcare career to help people – particularly when she was in Year 9 and her brother spent time in hospital. Sarah was in awe of the hospital nursing staff, their insights and care.
“My dad suggested paramedic science would be a good fit. I talked about it with the pastor at my church, who was a paramedic. It was a bit of a leap of faith to start my studies, but I love it.
“At this stage, I want to work as a paramedic after graduating, and perhaps in the future look at becoming a critical care paramedic. The nursing skills I am gaining, and understanding of the continuity of care will assist me out in the field.”
The QAS scholarship honours former Advanced Care Paramedic and Indigenous Australian, Jamie Jackway.
“The impact of having an Indigenous paramedic in local communities goes beyond the positive effects on the scholarship recipients. It has a positive impact on their family and extended family.It’s kind of like a flow-on effect,” said Jamie.
QAS Commissioner, Russell Bowles, echoed this sentiment.
“[We’re] very proud to offer the QAS Jamie Jackway Paramedic Scholarship, which aims to assist in minimising financial barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school and university students throughout their education,” said Commissioner Bowles.
In partnership with QUT, QAS is offering ten Jamie Jackway Paramedic Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in 2021. If your organisation would like to support students like Sarah, visit the QUT website.
