Georgia Clissold with Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers Association committee member Liam Winter at the February 2026 scholarship presentation. Photo: HealthWISE
Two scholarships are open to health students from the Moree, Bingara, Warialda and Collarenebri districts, each providing $10,000 over two years. The funding can help with rent, books and university costs.
HealthWISE and the Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers Association (CGA) support the Dr William Hunter Scholarship and the Healthy Communities Scholarship. Applications close on 23 October 2026.
Applicants must be Australian citizens living in one of the four districts. They must be in their second year or above of an undergraduate medical, allied health or nursing degree. They must study at an Australian university and cannot currently receive another scholarship.
Successful applicants must complete two rural placements. One must take place within the eligible districts.
The Dr William Hunter Scholarship began in 2006 and takes its name from retired Moree GP Dr William Hunter. The award honours his contribution to rural health and his commitment to building the local workforce. HealthWISE now administers the Dr William Hunter Scholarship through its Barwon Health Alliance program.
The Healthy Communities Scholarship has run for more than a decade. CGA has supported area health scholarships since the 1990s. The two organisations joined forces in 2021 to encourage local students to pursue medical and health-related degrees.
Moree local Georgia Clissold received the 2026 Healthy Communities Scholarship. She studies a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Southern Queensland. She said she had not expected to win the award. The funding offered a chance to give back to the community that had backed her.
The organisations aim to bring more health professionals back to the region. “Something that is really important to HealthWISE is supporting our workforce of the future, and that’s what this scholarship is about,” HealthWISE chief executive officer Sally Urquhart said.
Students can seek both awards through a single application. To apply, email [email protected] or phone 6752 7196.
