Mel Robinson wins prestigious Bullwinkel Scholarship
Bullwinkel Scholar Mel Robinson and John Bullwinkel (great nephew of Vivian Bullwinkel)
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has awarded its inaugural Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship to Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Director of Aboriginal Health Melanie Robinson.
Mel's scholarship acknowledges her exceptional contributions to healthcare, particularly in advocating for Aboriginal health. She is a descendant of the Gidja people (near Halls Creek) with a connection to the Ngarinyin people in the Kimberley. Mel also has Indian heritage.
In total, the ANC awarded 21 Bullwinkel Project Scholarships. They honour the legacy left by Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkle and the 21 nurses and one civilian who were killed at Radji Beach, Bangka Island in World War II.
A passionate advocate for Aboriginal healthcare, Mel brings more than 18 years of nursing experience to her role in which she has demonstrated her commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
"Being the inaugural Bullwinkel Scholar is a huge honour, and I am immensely proud to represent the Child and Adolescent Health Service and the work we are doing to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families," she said.
Mel will use the scholarship to explore programs and services within the health systems and Aboriginal Medical Services in New South Wales and Victoria.
She will gather insights that can inform and enhance early childhood health services for Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
The research findings will be presented at the International Indigenous Research Conference in New Zealand later this year.
The Bullwinkel Study Travel Scholarship, valued at up to $10,000 is sponsored by the Aspen Medical Foundation and represents a commitment to fostering leadership and excellence in nursing.
In celebrating Mel’s achievement, we also pay tribute to the bravery and selflessness of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel and her fellow nurses, ensuring that their memory lives on through the transformative work of nursing leaders.