Geelong student receives 2021 Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship

The $10,000 Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship is awarded annually by Bupa to honour the legacy of Dr. Scott, a renowned Indigenous leader who spent her life fighting for the rights of all peoples. Dr Scott later became a resident of Bupa’s aged care village at Mt Sheridan. This is the third year Bupa has offered the scholarship, with Trenae Jia, a Griffith University student from Cairns receiving the award in 2020.

Olivia was recognised as a strong advocate and supporter of her community having represented the Korin Gamadji Institute in presenting public health policy recommendations to State Parliament relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Olivia said the $10,000 scholarship will contribute to covering the costs associated with completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences (majoring in Exercise Science and Nutrition) at Deakin University as well as her broader personal development and volunteering goals.

“It fills me with immense pride to be awarded the Dr Evelyn Scott scholarship. Dr Scott was an incredible woman and I aspire to be as influential as she was in advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

I know this scholarship means a great deal to my family and the wider community of Aboriginal youth,” said Olivia.

Olivia has also gained high-level industry experience through the completion of an internship at Bupa as part of its Indigenous CareerTrackers program.

Julie Bissinella, Bupa’s Director of Community Engagement congratulated Olivia on her outstanding achievements in the community and the workplace.

“Olivia is an inspirational young woman who truly embodies the values of Dr Scott. She is a visible and active leader, role model and mentor to young people across her local community.

“The scholarship is designed to identify and help advance future women leaders, while also providing education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s a privilege to be able to honour Dr Scott’s legacy by supporting talented students like Olivia,” said Julie.

In addition to the $10,000, Bupa also awarded three $3,000 runner-up scholarships to support short-listed candidates with their studies. These were awarded to Brittney Andrews who is studying a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, Nikia Bailey who is studying a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Adelaide and Brittney Henderson who is studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.

More information on the Dr Evelyn Scott Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Scholarship is available here.

Media reference number: 20/122