James Cook University’s statement of intent to “provide a brighter life in the tropics, worldwide” is exemplified in this programme to create scholarships for Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders to train as qualified and registered nurses at the University’s Thursday Island Campus in the Torres Strait – the area between the northern tip of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The fund has been set up by Robert W Lindner in Memory of Lieutenant Commander Robert H Lindner (USNR), Commanding Officer of Air Group 30 Fighter Squadron and Carrier Air Group 30, USS Belleau Wood (1944-1945), who disappeared off the Island of Chichi Jima when his plane was shot down during WWII. For more information on his story, his wartime deeds, his bravery and citations at www.lindnerscholarshipfund.com.
Aboriginal and Islander populations suffer more ill health, disability and reduced quality of life than other Australians, so nurses are in urgent demand. This is particularly true in remote Indigenous communities where nurses are often primarily responsible for delivering a broad range of essential health care services.
James Cook University’s nursing programs are designed to serve these unique health issues and needs, emphasizing nursing for rural, remote and Indigenous communities as well as addressing diseases and health issues specific to the tropics.
James Cook University’s Thursday Island Study Centre provides teaching and learning facilities for nursing and education students in the remote Torres Strait and was established in recognition of the cultural and financial difficulties faced by Aboriginal and Islander students who had no choice but to leave family and community to pursue a tertiary education.
The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition works closely with government and other agencies to offer students invaluable placement opportunities. The JCU campuses are equipped with simulated hospital wards, lecture theatres, tutorial rooms and laboratories to assist students develop the range of skills required to help patients attain and maintain health and wellbeing
The Robert H Lindner Scholarship aims to support individuals and communities in this remote region in meeting these challenges and reaching their full potential.
