The Department is committed to strengthening a sustainable, culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
This workforce plays a vital role in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities, building trust in services, and embedding culture, community and Country into care.
This commitment aligns with the:
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Our approach recognises the strengths, knowledge and leadership Aboriginal people bring to the healthcare system and supports pathways that honour culture, community obligations and self-determination.
We are committed to Aboriginal-led workforce approaches and in partnership with Aboriginal organisations and communities, fund programs to strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
The programs support the importance of connection to community, cultural, identity and Country in supporting Aboriginal staff wellbeing and retention through recognising:
- the importance of cultural obligations and community responsibilities such as Sorry Business or cultural events
- flexibility and understanding around these obligations
- value of cultural knowledge and lived experience as key skills
Aboriginal Cadetship Program
The program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in nursing, midwifery and allied health to build on their knowledge, skills and cultural strengths while gaining practical workplace experience.
The program provides a paid work placement in a health service for 8 weeks or 40 full-time shifts, supporting students to:
- build on existing cultural, community and academic strengths
- develop skills and confidence in a healthcare environment
- form supportive networks, including Aboriginal mentors
- gain experience in a potential future workplace
- strengthen cultural, professional and leadership pathways
Benefits for cadets
- income support while studying
- opportunity to work in a Victorian health service
- supportive, culturally safe workplace exposure
- mentoring and guidance from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff
- connections to professional and cultural networks
- increased confidence, skills and career opportunities
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- are studying nursing, midwifery or an allied health qualification
- have completed your first year of study
- maintain a pass in all subjects
How to apply
Applications are submitted via an individual Expression of Interest by health services.
Guidance for participating health services
It is important health services demonstrate:
- ongoing cultural safety training for all staff
- active anti-racism commitments
- aboriginal leadership involvement in placement and mentoring
- support mechanisms such as Aboriginal Staff Networks or Employee Resource Groups
Where to get help with your application
- Aboriginal hospital liaison officer
- people and culture
- education manager at relevant health service
Funding enquiries
For information about future funding opportunities, please contact the Allied Health Workforce Team at alliedhealthworkforce@health.vic.gov.au.
Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Scholarship Program
This program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives to continue their professional and cultural leadership through postgraduate study.
It provides up to $10,000 to complete a postgraduate qualification such as a graduate certificate, diploma or similar (subject to approval).
It is designed to strengthen advanced skills, leadership opportunities and culturally safe care across Victorian public health services.
Priority areas of practice include:
- palliative care (Cherie Waight Nursing Scholarship)
- aged care
- renal dialysis
- cardiac care
- chronic disease management
- diabetes education
- oncology
- mental health
- midwifery
Other postgraduate areas may be considered in line with community and workforce needs.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you are:
- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander registered nurse and/or midwife
- currently studying or planning to study a postgraduate nursing or midwifery qualification
- employed by a Victorian public health service
How to apply
Applications are submitted via an Expression of Interest, supported by your employing health service.
Where to get help with your application
You can speak with one of the following at your health service:
- Aboriginal hospital liaison officer
- people and culture team
- executive director of nursing and/or midwifery
- executive director of education
Funding enquiries
For information about future funding opportunities, please contact the Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Team at nmw@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
Aboriginal Health Worker Training Scholarship Program
In partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), this program supports the professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations play a key role in strengthening Aboriginal workforce pipelines and are employers, training partners and cultural mentors.
Key roles include:
- Aboriginal health worker/practitioner
- Aboriginal hospital liaison officer
- cultural educators and community connectors
The scholarship provides up to $4,000 for one year of professional development, removing financial barriers and supporting the cultural, professional and community leadership of Aboriginal health workers.
Scholarship funding may support:
- course tuition
- education materials and equipment
- travel associated with training
- childcare and family support needs
Eligibility
You may be eligible to apply if you are working within:
- an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)
- a Victorian public health service
How to apply
VACCHO manages this program on behalf of the Department.
If you’re interested in applying, register your interest with VACCHO .
Our Commitment
The Department acknowledges the ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic inequity on the Aboriginal health workforce. We are committed to creating culturally safe, respectful and racism-free health services where Aboriginal workers feel supported and valued.
These programs are delivered in partnership with Aboriginal communities, leaders and organisations, recognising their authority and expertise in designing culturally safe workforce pathways.
Aboriginal governance structures will provide input into program design and review and ensure programs remain culturally aligned.
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