Amy Thompson, Shanice Griffen, Imeleta Tavete and Raymond French are among 14 students who have been chosen to be part of Newcastle University’s Wollotuka Indigenous Student Leadership Program (WISILP). 

The group are studying degrees in the areas of health, medicine and Aboriginal professional practice and will be travelling to the United States, Canada and Hawaii over a four-week period.  

The group departed Sydney last week (Friday, November 20) to start the first leg of their trip in Vancouver, Canada. 

Former Kempsey resident Raymond French is currently studying a bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice and said he was looking forward to the trip. 

“It will be a cultural exchange – our histories are similar especially in terms of assimilation policies. I think it will be really interesting to learn about the diversity in different communities,” the 28-year-old said. 

“While we’re over there we’ll have to do a presentation so it will help with our confidence when it comes to future public speaking.”  

Amy Thompson from Kempsey is currently studying a bachelor of Nursing at the university. 

“I think it will benefit me with the cultural aspects. What I learn I will be able to bring back to my own community,” the 32-year-old said. 

“I was really surprised to be one of the people chosen. It will definitely be an experience of a lifetime.”

Ms Thompson thanked the university and her family for making the trip possible.  

“I’m a single mother with two sons aged five and eight. My aunty and uncle will be looking after them while I’m away. If I didn’t have their help and support this trip wouldn’t be possible for me,” she said. 

“Also, without the support from Noelene Brown my mentor and my tutor Steve I wouldn't be where I am today.” 

Ms Thompson also expressed disappointment after letters she wrote to a couple of local Aboriginal organisations where she asked for financial assistance, were rejected. 

“One organisation said there are no financial funds to assist me and other students,” she said.  

“It is true that the expense of the trip is financially covered by the uni but we students have to cover the cost of passports, purchasing suitable snow clothing, hiking and snow boots and provide our own funds for travel and accommodation costs when attending meetings held on a Saturday in Newcastle. 

“This all adds up in cost and I just think it’s quite appalling that the organisations couldn't assist with any of these costings.  

“There is no support from Indigenous community organisations for Indigenous people doing well in life from a rural community.” 

The WISILP started in 2012 and aims to give Australian Aboriginal medical and health students’ the opportunity to learn about the health, medical and educational needs of other indigenous cultures.  

The program has since expanded to include students not only enrolled in medicine and allied health degrees but those also enrolled in education and Aboriginal professional practice.  

Since Wollotuka’s establishment in the mid-1980s, the institute has played a key role in representing and supporting Indigenous students.

The university has produced half of Australia's Indigenous doctors, more Indigenous nurses than any other higher education institution and graduated the highest number of Indigenous teachers in Australia.