Nurses in the Goldfields will now have the opportunity to further their careers and benefit their communities without needing to leave the region, thanks to a new Curtin University scholarship program.
Supported by the BHP WA Nickel Community Fund and Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH), the Home Grown Nursing Scholarship Program will provide financial support to local enrolled nurses, enabling them to study a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) at Curtin’s Kalgoorlie campus and advance their qualifications to become registered nurses.
Head of the Curtin School of Nursing Professor Tracey Moroney OAM said the scholarship program would help empower nurses living in the Goldfields and support the health needs of regional Western Australia.
“As the longest-running Australian university nursing school, the Curtin School of Nursing has been delivering innovative and inclusive solutions with real-world benefits for more than 50 years,” Professor Moroney said.
“The pressure on rural health services to meet the growing demand for skilled nursing care is greater than ever, but local enrolled nurses often lack the opportunity to upskill in their hometowns.
“By enabling enrolled nurses to continue their studies in Kalgoorlie, we are helping to build a sustainable local workforce that understands and responds to the unique needs of the Goldfields community while also helping nurses progress in their careers.”
GUDRH Director Professor Fiona Doolan-Noble said the scholarships will be important in creating the type of homegrown healthcare workforce needed for thriving, healthy, productive communities.
“Local healthcare professionals don’t just understand their community: they’re invested in it,” Professor Doolan-Noble said.
“When we support local talent, we’re building a foundation for higher patient satisfaction, culturally competent care and a safer healthcare system that truly serves our region’s unique needs.
“Through initiatives like the Home Grown Nursing Scholarships, we’re creating a pipeline of healthcare professionals who will help the Goldfields not just survive but prosper as a great place to live.”
The Home Grown Nursing Scholarship Program forms part of BHP’s $20 million WA Nickel Community Fund, established in 2024 to support regional communities across Western Australia.
BHP Western Australia Nickel Vice President Annabelle Blom said the partnership with Curtin University and GUDRH reflects BHP’s commitment to improving health outcomes in regional communities.
“Supporting local education and employment pathways is at the heart of building sustainable communities. By investing in initiatives like this, we can help deliver long-term benefits for the region – retaining local talent, strengthening regional capabilities and improving access to quality healthcare.”
