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We’re proud to announce that two 91���� members will share in the 2024 91���� Emerging Leaders (Michael Dwyer) Scholarship.

Our first recipient is senior social worker Rachel Ridge. Rachel works in the Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital and will be using the grant to study Animal Assisted Psychotherapy AAP) to help support children who have experienced significant trauma by way of physical or sexual abuse.

AAP, integrated within a multidisciplinary treatment program, is a therapeutic approach utilising trained animals in therapy sessions to support in the recovery process and improve mental health outcomes for young people. AAP has been proven to reduce emotional dysregulation and symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 “Children often find it challenging to discuss complex trauma, but having a support animal present during sessions provides them with a greater sense of safety, fostering openness in discussing their past experiences,” Rachel said.

“As an aspiring leader, I am very excited about what this opportunity means for me in my professional practice, as well as the positive impact it may bring to the children, young people and families I’m privileged to support every day.” 

Our second recipient is Alyssa Walter, Communication for Safe Care Project Officer at Western NSW Local Health District, based in Dubbo.

For Alyssa, the scholarship enables her to study the “Executive Ready” course through Women and Leadership Australia, where she will develop the skills and experiences to form an extended network of women in leadership positions across healthcare, fostering growth and inspiration.

This connectivity is particularly important for helping to build women’s careers in regional Australia, opening up new avenues for resources, learning opportunities and mentorship outside of the nation’s capital cities.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship – my chosen course would have been out of my reach if it were not for Aware. Not only will it help me to propel my career, but it will also make a measurable difference to the lives of people in my community,” said Alyssa.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Deanne Stewart, said that this year’s recipients are incredibly deserving of the scholarship.

“Both of these women have displayed immense dedication to their field, and we’re proud to see this scholarship not only further their own leadership abilities, but also contribute to the benefit of the wider community.” 

“This scholarship enables us to promote the importance of furthering personal and professional development, making way for a new generation of strong leaders in our most essential industries.

"One of the greatest Investments any of us can ever make is our own education and professional development, but we know that isn't always possible for our members to access or to afford at the stage of their career that it would be most helpful. We are so proud to be helping members to further develop their careers, and ultimately helping them to set themselves and their teams on a path to an improved retirement," said Ms Stewart.