Training nurses on Country

Scholarship opens doors for First Nations nursing students 

Abbey Hargreaves, APNA Communications Officer 

First Nations nursing student Dakota Callister, career has transformed after a four-week placement on Country. Dakota received a scholarship program offered by APNA and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) that aims to strengthen health outcomes in rural communities.  

When nursing student Dakota Callister came across a new clinical placement opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students in Inverell, she knew it was something special and didn’t hesitate to apply. 

For Dakota, who was raised and still lives in the northern New South Wales town, this scholarship offered more than hands-on training – it was a chance to learn within her own community, surrounded by culture, family and Country. 

Now in her final year of nursing studies, Dakota became the first student selected under a scholarship program offered by APNA and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN).  

The scholarship provides financial and structural support for nurses to take part in the National Nursing Clinical Placement Program (NNCPP) delivered by APNA, and aims to ease barriers like travel, accommodation and living costs – often major hurdles for students in rural and remote areas. 

‘We’re committed to strengthening the primary care workforce across our region,’ says Dr Alison Koschel, Executive Manager Primary Care Workforce and Access at HNECC PHN, declaring the partnership a natural fit. ‘We want First Nations students to complete their degrees and gain valuable experience in the New England region.’ 

Inspired by family, driven by community  

Dakota Callister’s passion for nursing began when her younger brother was born with a serious heart condition. Watching the nurses at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead care for him left a lasting impression. 

‘It inspired me,’ she says. ‘I was only 15 at the time, and from then I just knew that nursing, or health care in general, was what I wanted to do.’ 

Growing up within the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri nations, Dakota says her cultural identity strongly shapes the way she approaches health care. For Dakota, it was pure coincidence that she received a placement opportunity in her hometown at Armajun Aboriginal Health Service. 

‘I see how health has affected a lot of people in my family,’ Dakota says. ‘Being able to do a placement at Armajun – where some of my family receive care – I was able to get an understanding of their treatment.’ (Dakota did not provide direct care to her own family members during her placement.)  

Dakota’s connection to her community made all the difference. Being a familiar face helped build trust with local patients and gave Dakota valuable insight into the culturally safe care required to serve First Nations communities effectively. 

‘Dakota was very curious. She always investigated any disease or field of information that she wished to know more about,’ says Amanda Morris, supervisor at Armajun. ‘[She] had a beautiful manner with the patients, very kind and culturally appropriate.’ 

A placement like no other 

The four-week placement gave Dakota her first in-depth experience with primary health care. Unlike her previous hospital rotations, which she described as ‘go, go, go,’ this one allowed her to slow down, connect with patients, and explore their wider health and social needs.  

Working closely with Aboriginal health workers, she gained clinical skills and learned to appreciate the social and cultural factors that influence each person’s health. 

‘I was able to actually sit down with a patient, do their whole assessment and get to know them,’ she says. ‘All of those things are something that just didn't cross my mind because, you know, in hospitals, you don't really do that. I struggled a lot trying to wrap my head around that.’  

The scholarship made the experience possible by covering accommodation and living expenses so Dakota could focus fully on learning. With five siblings at home, having a quiet space to return to each day helped her stay on top of assignments and exam prep. 

‘It was great,’ Dakota shares. ‘I was able to get around in the community a lot more as well. I went to the Transport Museum and a few walks at Goonoowigall.’ 

Looking ahead and giving back 

Reflecting on her placement, Dakota feels more determined than ever to build a career in rural primary health care. 

‘I've done placements in Coffs Harbour, Tweed Heads in those really big hospitals and I really did enjoy it, ... but working in rural is just a whole other thing. It was really insightful. It was amazing. I definitely do see myself working in rural [in the future].’ 

Dakota’s role at Armajun Aboriginal Health Service also created a meaningful ripple effect. Family members often sought her advice, and patients felt more comfortable opening up to her than they might have with someone from outside their community. 

‘I think they have a lot more trust and they're a lot more comfortable in giving you the whole picture. Which if they don't have that trust with you, then they're not going to tell you everything and that could really affect their care,’ she explains.  

Amanda also adds, ‘Armajun means “open minded.” We need staff who identify as Aboriginal to create a culture of inclusivity, and to create a safe environment where our patients feel comfortable to speak about their health, concerns, feel valued and can make their own choices.’  

The partnership between APNA and the HNECC PHN is already proving its worth.  

By offering First Nations students like Dakota the chance to train within their own communities, the program is nurturing a new generation of healthcare workers who are deeply connected and trusted by the people they serve. 

Dr Koschel emphasises, ‘When First Nations health professionals work in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), cultural safety is strengthened, and communities receive more responsive, effective care.’ 

Dakota encourages others to embrace the experience with an open mind: ‘The biggest thing is being open, especially if you’re coming from a different area and entering a new community.’ 

With more placements planned and strong support from partners like HNECC PHN and Armajun, the future of rural health, and the representation of First Nations voices within it, is in capable hands. 

Join the National Nursing Clinical Placements Program and you too could spark a new career in primary health care. It’s easier than you think! 

The National Nursing Clinical Placement Program is supported with funding from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.