The Huon Valley Council was delighted to present Jessica Marchant of Geeveston with the 2024-2025 Greg Norris Memorial Health Scholarship at a ceremony held yesterday.
Jessica is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, a combined five-year degree program with the goal of becoming a qualified doctor. She is the first person in her family to attend university, having already completed her Bachelor of Medical Research last year after three years of dedicated study.
Upon graduation, Jessica is committed to returning to the Huon Valley as a General Practitioner, helping to bridge the healthcare gap that rural communities face in accessing quality medical services. Her passion for rural healthcare was deeply influenced by witnessing the dedication and compassion of medical professionals who cared for her late father during his battle with Glioblastoma.
The scholarship program honours the memory of former Huon Valley Mayor, the late Greg Norris, who was passionate about ensuring quality health services in the Huon Valley. Mr Norris served as the first mayor following the amalgamation of the Huon, Port Cygnet and Esperance Councils in 1993 until his passing in 2001.
The presentation ceremony and afternoon tea featured special guests including Dr Sarah Duggan, a 2020 Greg Norris Scholarship recipient who graduated this year with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Mrs Betty Norris, wife of the late Greg Norris.
“Jessica’s dedication to serving her local community exemplifies the spirit of the Greg Norris Memorial Health Scholarship,” said Huon Valley Council Mayor Sally Doyle. “Like many remote and rural locations in Australia, the Huon Valley is in great need of more health service professionals to support the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
The Greg Norris Memorial Health Scholarship Program is provided annually as part of Council’s commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and the sustainability of health services in the Huon Valley.
