The Victorian Government is making a change to the accessibility of required allied health services, opening new opportunities and grants to assist in speech pathology and occupational therapy in regional Victoria.
“All Victorians should be able to access the care and support they need, no matter where they live,” Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“This program is playing an important role in delivering more specialist health services in our regional towns.”
Reaping the benefits of her grant, Claudia Prencipe is now employed as an occupational therapist at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton.
She recently graduated from La Trobe University, and said the funding supported her to settle into her new community and begin her career providing Victorians with the specialised care they need closer to home.
“Thanks to the grant, the move from Melbourne to Shepparton after completing my studies was made much easier,” she said.
“It meant I could settle into my new surroundings and focus on starting my new role.”
Ms Thomas made the announcement on Wednesday, October 30, encouraging students to apply for the second round of the Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program and take up a career in regional Victoria.
“This program is not only helping to grow our regional health workforce, but also kickstarting the careers of young, talented speech pathologists and occupational therapists,” she said.
Grants of up to $15,000 will be accessible to domestic and international students to help them relocate and settle — assisting with the costs of accommodation and moving.
Felix Harding is a Greater Shepparton Secondary College student currently completing work experience with The News.