Inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Scholar

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Nursing Scholarship program awarded its inaugural scholarship in early 2023. The program was established at the request of the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, who wanted to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in a career in nursing are supported through opportunities which honour the legacy of her dedicated work for the health and wellbeing of her people.

Prior to her passing, Dr O’Donoghue was overjoyed to hear that the program had commenced in 2023 and that a South Australian Aboriginal student had been announced as the inaugural scholarship recipient.

2023 Inaugural Foundation Nursing Scholarship recipient

Emma Scarce, Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Scholar

The Foundation’s inaugural Nursing Scholarship recipient was Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Mirning woman, Emma Scarce.

We wish to thank Aspen Medical Foundation for their generous support through the funding of Emma’s scholarship.

‘I am so honoured to receive the inaugural Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation Nursing Scholarship, and to follow in the footsteps of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue who was one of the very first Aboriginal nurses in South Australia. As an Aboriginal woman working in healthcare, I will be able to breakdown barriers and close gaps which many Aboriginal people face. It is crucial that our people feel comfortable and culturally safe when seeking healthcare.

‘Embarking on my nursing career through this important scholarship, allows me to focus on my study knowing that I am fully supported to complete my diploma in 2024.’

Emma Scarce, 2023

Emma has now graduated with a Diploma of Nursing from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Education Centre on Kaurna Country.

‘I’m so proud of myself and excited to enter the healthcare sector. I feel really proud to be leading the way for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workers just as Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue did. My long-range goals are to work with Aboriginal women and babies and I can’t wait to continue my studies.’

Emma Scarce, 2024

As a national organisation, we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land across Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Our offices are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people.

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