Applications for the 2026 scholarship round are now closed and under review. All candidates will be notified by Tuesday 30 June 2026. If you have questions about your application, email cec-knowledge@health.nsw.gov.au
Providing culturally safe care is essential to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Ian O'Rourke Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals to strengthen culturally safe care across NSW. It is designed to help build leadership capability and support work that respects Aboriginal identity, values and lived experience.
Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available to support your professional development and leadership in Aboriginal patient safety.
Funding can be used for:
- study
- research
- leadership courses
- conferences
- workplace projects.
These opportunities support safer, more culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal people in NSW.
Aboriginal patient safety is about more than individual interactions, it's about strengthening systems, leadership and cultural safety across our health services. The Ian O'Rourke Scholarship supports Aboriginal staff to lead this work in ways that are grounded in culture, community and lived experience.
Key dates
- Scholarship applications opened 9:00am Monday 2 February 2026
- Applications closed 11:59pm Sunday 8 March 2026
- All candidates will be notified of the outcome by Tuesday 30 June 2026
Eligibility
Applicants must be NSW Health employees who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and provide Confirmation of Aboriginality. Support from line managers and executive sponsors is required for workplace projects.
Preparing your application
As part of the application process, applicants must complete an application form (DOCX 102.1 KB) and provide:
- personal details
- confirmation of Aboriginality
- employment information
- responses to key scholarship questions, and
- workplace project approvals (if relevant).
Application checklist
Prior to starting my application, applicants must:
- read the scholarship guidelines (PDF 1002.9 KB)
- read the conditions (PDF 125.0 KB)
- checked that I am eligible to apply for the scholarship
- marked all key dates in my diary
- collected evidence to confirm my Aboriginality
- considered the key scholarship questions.
How will my application be assessed?
A panel of Aboriginal members reviews applications based on interest in Aboriginal patient safety, alignment with scholarship goals, and professional development objectives; shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
Contact us
Email cec-knowledge@health.nsw.gov.au
Let us know if you would like to speak to an Aboriginal staff member when you enquire.