2025 has started with a flurry of award-related activity. Find out who won and who is eligible to apply for the various schemes.
The inaugural cohort of First Nations Cancer scholars has been announced, and Cancer Australia are on the lookout for equitable cancer care champions. Read on to find out more!
Meet the recipients of the inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarships
Five students from across the country have this week been named as recipients of the inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarships.
The program provides financial support to Indigenous postgraduate students engaged in cancer-related studies or research.
Funded through Cancer Australia and led by the Aurora Foundation, these scholarships are part of a $5.9 million, four-year commitment to expand the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people actively involved in cancer policy making, research and care delivery.
Four of the five recipients are involved in Doctor of Medicine programs at various Australian universities, with the fifth recipient starting a PhD later this year. The winners are:
- Balarnu, Waluwarra and Wangkayujuru man Brodie Seymour, who is entering the final year of a Doctor of Medicine degree at Griffith University
- Gundungurra woman Eden Slicer, who is entering her second year of medicine at the University of NSW
- Ngarkat woman Kayla Vitale, who started her career as a registered nurse before deciding to pursue a Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University following her father’s cancer diagnosis
- Kasarina Mann, a descendant of the Kulburri-warra clan of the Kuku Yalanji, Guugu Yimidthirr, Yidnji and Barbarum nations, is starting her final year of medicine at the University of Sydney
- Khwanruethai Ngampromwongse, who identifies as Wiradjuri and Ngemba Wayilwan, is starting their PhD this year at Australian National University
Aurora Education Foundation CEO Leila Smith said the scholarships would bring more Indigenous healthcare professionals into the cancer care space, creating a lasting impact on the health, wellness and longevity of people and communities.
“I am incredibly proud of our scholars, and I look forward to seeing the skills and experience they will bring to the cancer field in the coming years,” she said.
Federal assistant minister for Indigenous health Ged Kearney said increasing Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander representation in the field was necessary to improve cancer outcomes for First Nation Australians, and “that’s exactly what these landmark scholarships support”.
“These scholarships are going to change lives. For the recipients, for their communities and for First Nations Australians from the Top End to Tasmania,” she said.
“As a former nurse myself, I can’t think of a better field to enter than healthcare policy, research and delivery. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients.”
More information on the scholarship program is available on the Aurora Foundation website.
Related
Is there a champion of equitable cancer care in your midst? Nominate them for the 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award!
Cancer Australia are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Jeannie Ferris Award.
There are two categories that you, or someone you know, can be nominated for:
- Community members: people who’ve experienced cancer themselves, and those who’ve supported others with cancer
- Healthcare practitioners and researchers: professionals from all disciplines who have made outstanding contributions to improving outcomes for people with cancers.
The award, established in 2013, was named after the late Jeannie Ferris, Senator for South Australia, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2005 and died in April 2007.
In 2006, Ms Ferris instigated a parliamentary inquiry into gynaecological cancers, calling for increased research and awareness of the cancers. The report, Breaking the Silence: A National Voice for Gynaecological Cancers resulted in the establishment of a National Centre for Gynaecological Cancer.
“Through this award, we ensure that the late Senator Jeannie Ferris’s legacy of compassion, courage, and systemic change lives on, supporting those who work tirelessly to make cancer care more equitable for all Australians,” said Professor Dorothy Keefe, Cancer Australia’s CEO.
Nominations must be received by close of business on Friday, 11 April 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
