Council scholarship pays for rural healthcare experience
Published on 21 January 2025
A $1,500 scholarship by Singleton Council to support a program promoting rural healthcare has brought future doctor Mallory Ledger to Singleton for a valuable insight into the needs of rural communities.
The University of Notre Dame (Sydney campus) second-year medical student is undertaking a two-week placement at Singleton Hospital as part of the Rural Doctors Network Bush Bursary Program, a collaboration between councils, the Country Women's Association and the Rural Doctors Network to pair medical, midwifery and nursing students with local health professionals to gain a holistic understanding of rural healthcare.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said participating in the program was an invaluable opportunity not only to support future healthcare professionals, but to encourage them to consider making their careers in rural or regional areas.
The $1,500 scholarship by Council covered expenses including travel, meals and other costs, as well as an itinerary to give Mallory the best experience of Singleton.
“A key inclusion in our Advocacy Agenda is the improvement of health services in Singleton, and the Bush Bursary Program is a great way that we as a council could take tangible action to promote our area to future medical professionals,” Cr Moore said.
“The program gives students an invaluable understanding of the rural healthcare system by working on the ground with rural practitioners and patients, as well as an amazing opportunity to experience the wonderful lifestyle that comes with living and working in the country.
“We hope Mallory benefits professionally from her time in Singleton to support her skills and knowledge as a doctor, but that she also has such a wonderful experience of the place itself that we might tempt her to want to come back.”
Mallory, from Sydney, said in between gaining invaluable experience as part of her placement in Singleton, she had been soaking up what the area has to offer including visiting the wineries, cafes and the Arts + Cultural Centre, enjoying historical and cultural tours and the scenery of the Hunter Valley.
“I’ve been really enjoying my time in Singleton and am very thankful to Council for sponsoring me and for the support I’ve received to experience the area,” she said.
“I feel really lucky to be here; it’s super close to Sydney but the experiences I’ve received here are worlds apart from the city. Everyone is so much more connected – doctors treat patients they knew as children, the equipment you’re using was donated by a local couple or sporting group, you see the people you treat down the street. It’s such a different but amazing experience.
“While I’m only starting out my career and don’t know what I want to specialise in yet, from this experience and my involvement in the Bush Bursary Program, I would definitely be open to working in a rural community like Singleton.”
ENDS