Huon Valley Council is excited to announce the recipients of the Greg Norris Memorial Health Scholarship for 2020, Jaimi-Lee Armstrong of Cygnet and Sarah Duggan of Southport.

The scholarship aims to assist Huon Valley residents to study in the health field and is an example of the Council’s commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and the sustainability of health services in the Huon Valley.

Miss Armstrong is aiming to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery whilst studying at the University of Tasmania.

Miss Armstrong’s passion for rural health promotion, chronic disease management and working with Aboriginal community members has led to her long-term goal of becoming a General Practitioner working within the Huon Valley.

Like Miss Armstrong, Miss Duggan is also aiming to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Tasmania.

Miss Duggan has a goal of giving back to the community by working in the Huon Valley as a General Practitioner. Miss Duggan is passionate about giving people access to the health care they need, especially in smaller communities where this is often more difficult due to staffing shortages.

“It is heartening to hear that many young professionals in health and other sectors are choosing to work in rural areas for the rewarding experiences and opportunities for multi-disciplinary professional development it brings.”

Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders said, “It is heartening to hear of community members who follow their passion for working in rural communities and choose to come back to live and work in the Valley after their studies.”

The scholarship program honors the memory of former Huon Valley Mayor, the late Greg Norris.

Mr Norris was the first mayor of the Huon Valley, following the amalgamation of the Huon, Port Cygnet and Esperance councils in 1993. Mr Norris remained Mayor until he passed away in 2001.

Mr Norris was very passionate about having quality health services in the Huon Valley.

Council usually holds a presentation ceremony for the Greg Norris Scholarship recipients, with Mr Norris’s wife Betty as a special guest along with a previous scholarship recipient.

“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to hold our usual presentation to recognise and congratulate this year’s recipients in person,” said Cr Enders. “I hope you will join us online to congratulate Jaimi-Lee Armstrong and Sarah Duggan on achieving this prestigious scholarship.

“Australians living in regional, rural, and remote areas, such as the Huon Valley, often have more difficulty accessing health services. It is heartening to hear that many young professionals in health and other sectors are choosing to work in rural areas for the rewarding experiences and opportunities for multi-disciplinary professional development it brings.

“Due to their real passion and skill for rural healthcare, I have full confidence that this year’s recipients will make the most of this opportunity and look forward to following their educational and career successes.”