Bursary program supports Gippsland physio students to help others

A new grant program is set to provide financial relief for physiotherapy students completing placements in the Gippsland community as they train, helping ease workforce shortages in the local allied health sector.

FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) will support Federation University to provide 50 bursaries worth $1,000 each to eligible physio students completing their placement at the Federation Physiotherapy Virtual Care Clinic, reducing barriers to placement for Indigenous students and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Bursaries are needs-based grants designed to ease financial pressure on students, with funds that can be used for essential costs such as textbooks, petrol, groceries and computers.

Federation University Professor of Physiotherapy Marie-Louise Bird said the bursaries would make a meaningful difference for students undertaking unpaid clinical placements.

“Physiotherapy students often face significant financial strain while completing unpaid placements, particularly in regional areas,” Professor Bird said.

“These bursaries will allow students to focus on developing the skills needed to support the health and wellbeing of Gippsland communities. And by supporting students from diverse backgrounds to participate in placements, the clinic can connect more deeply with clients from all cultural backgrounds.”

Federation’s student-led Physiotherapy Virtual Care Clinic gives those living with chronic musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory conditions access to free healthcare under the supervision of experienced educators and clinicians.

FRRR’s Program Manager Sarah Gradie said the foundation was delighted to support this critical digital literacy initiative, as it strengthened communities on many levels.

“For rural and regional communities to thrive, they need to be able to access high-quality, culturally appropriate services and support, especially when it comes to health,” Ms Gradie said.

“By supporting this proven program, we know we will not only enhance the overall availability of physio and other allied health services in Gippsland but also enable students from diverse backgrounds to be able to develop the skills they need to be confident in supporting their community in the future.”

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy was launched in 2021 with support from the Victorian Government to help address local skills shortages, with the 2019 Gippsland Future Health and Community Services Workforce report projecting the number of physiotherapists in Gippsland will grow to 237 by 2036, up from 167 in 2016.

One hundred and eighty students will study physiotherapy at Federation’s state-of-the-art Allied Health and Activity Centre in Gippsland this year, with 75 going on placement.

For more information on Federation’s Physiotherapy course or the Physiotherapy Virtual Care Clinic, visit federation.edu.au