Help on hand for health students

LOCAL tertiary students pursuing health-related qualifications can once again apply for a $2000 boost, with the Mount Gambier and District Tertiary Health Education Grants (THEG) program reopening for 2026.

The program supports students who need to leave the region to undertake university studies within the health sector and seeks to encourage their return to the region as skilled health professionals upon completion of their studies.

The grants are available to applicants for use towards study-related travel, accommodation, textbooks and uniform.

THEG chair Rodney Summers said the initiative is designed to help local students pursue health careers while staying connected to the region.

“To support the region’s future health workforce, we are pleased to offer these grants to help local students with the cost of their studies in the hope they will return to the region as skilled professionals,” Mr Summers said.

Last year, seven grants were provided to students who studied in varying health areas, including medical imaging, physiotherapy, psychology, occupational therapy, dental science, paramedicine, and nursing and midwifery.

2025 recipient Aleisha Pearson, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Imaging, said the grant provided meaningful support during a demanding first year.

“Studying away from home comes with a lot of financial pressure, especially with placement costs like accommodation, fuel, and essential equipment,” she said. “The Tertiary Health Education Grant has helped ease that burden.”

She said the assistance hah already had a practical impact.

“Because of the grant, I’ve been able to fully engage in my degree and attend placements without the added stress of how I would cover the extra expenses,” Aliesha said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support.”

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery student and 2025 grant recipient Bridie McPherson said the support had reinforced her commitment to returning to Mount Gambier to work in regional health.

“Studying in the city, I have truly realised how limited the resources in rural and regional areas are,” she said. “This has only strengthened my wish to return to Mount Gambier after studying, to make a difference in the healthcare sector.

“I am unsure as to whether I will focus more on acute nursing, aged care nursing, or midwifery, but I know that I want to advocate for better health services in Mount Gambier at the conclusion of my studies.”

Almost 200 $2000 grants have been awarded to local students pursuing a wide range of health disciplines since the program officially commenced in 2007, with many choosing to return to Mount Gambier or other regional communities to pursue their careers.

Long-time contributor and panel member Ken Stafford was involved in developing the program and says it has come a long way since its inception.

“From the early planning meetings in 2006 and the first grants awarded in 2007, to now celebrating the program’s 20th year and 198 grants later, it’s clear how far the initiative has come,” Mr Stafford said. “The continued support of our partners, combined with the success of past recipients, is a strong testament to the program’s impact.

“All these years later, we are very fortunate to have our current group of financial supporters and education professionals who are making a wonderful contribution managing the Program on behalf of our community.

The Tertiary Health Education Grants program is supported by City of Mount Gambier, District Council of Grant, UFS Chemist, Flinders Rural Health SA, Mount Gambier and District Community Bank, Rotary Club of Mount Gambier Lakes and private donors.

For more information or to download an application form, visit mountgambier.sa.gov.au/THEG – Applications close March 31, 2026.