Three Indigenous Scholars Awarded Major Cancer Scholarship to Strengthen the Future of Indigenous-led Cancer Care

Leading Indigenous education organisation, the Aurora Education Foundation (Aurora), has announced the 2025 recipients of its First Nations Cancer Scholarship – one of Australia’s largest scholarships for Indigenous health professionals and researchers driving cancer research and care.

Cancer is the number one cause of death of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, however less than one per cent of health professionals identify as Indigenous. The First Nations Cancer Scholarship, funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia, aims to address this by increasing the network of Indigenous people who lead and contribute to cancer control.

More than $570,000 has been awarded to this year’s recipients, with Kamilaroi, Kuku Yalanji, and Djugun scholars recognised for their commitment to the future of Indigenous-led cancer care. Recipients include:

• Kuku Yalanji man Liam White, who this year begins a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Queensland. Liam will develop advanced skills in both fixed and removable prosthodontics that will allow him to treat patients who have been impacted by oral cancer or undergone significant oral restructure after oral cancer treatment.
• Djugun woman Halijah Brewster, who is completing her PhD at the University of Queensland. Halijah is researching the psycho-social factors that impact cancer care and cancer outcomes among First Nations women with breast cancer, particularly as it relates to screening uptake, early diagnosis and access to optimal treatment.
• Kamilaroi woman Hannah Mason, who this year begins a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Charles Sturt University to build expertise in delivering tailored exercise-based prescription for cancer management.

Aurora’s Acting CEO, Noongar person Tamara Murdock, reflects on the strength and commitment showcased by these 2025 scholars: “Aurora’s First Nations Cancer Scholarship recognises that the knowledge and experience required to improve cancer outcomes already exists within our communities. What matters is ensuring students are backed by the right support, strong networks and the resources they need to succeed. This is how we build leadership, strengthen expertise across cancer care, and drive real, lasting change for our people.

“Our 2025 scholars demonstrate how many avenues there are to make a difference in cancer care and how education can be used as a lever to develop specialist skills and expertise that will drive real change. I am incredibly proud of Liam, Halijah and Hannah, and look forward to following their journeys over the coming years.”

Cancer Australia’s CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe, highlights the importance of the First Nations Cancer Scholarship in improving outcomes for Indigenous people impacted by cancer: “Cancer Australia is proud to partner with Aurora Education Foundation. These scholarships serve as a fundamental pillar in implementing the Australian Cancer Plan and play a crucial role in our efforts to build a more equitable and representative health workforce.”

“With cancer remaining the primary cause of mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is vital that we grow the ranks of First Nations experts in research and clinical practice. Bolstering Indigenous leadership in this space is the key to delivering care that is not only effective but truly respectful and culturally safe for the community.”

The First Nations Cancer Scholarship was launched in 2024, with successful Indigenous scholars receiving up to $120,000 per year over three years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support. More information here.