What does it take to create a strong, sustainable healthcare system for Australia’s rural and remote communities?
For us at Affinity, the answer is clear: nurturing the next generation of skilled, compassionate nurses. With over 20 years of experience connecting these vital areas with healthcare professionals, we understand the financial pressures students face, especially during those crucial clinical placements.
That’s why we were so proud to partner with Charles Darwin University (CDU) to launch the Affinity Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship. This program is our commitment to building a stronger healthcare future.
This article is the first in a two-part series. We begin by catching up with one of our first scholarship recipients, Angela Baker, to learn more about her inspiring journey into midwifery.
Be sure to read Part 2, where we feature fellow recipient Shae Bowden and her dedication to nursing!
Meet Angela
Future midwife.
2 minute read
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Angela Baker, and I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, NSW. Growing up in a regional community, I developed a deep passion for improving healthcare access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in pregnancy and beyond.
As a mum of four young children and the first in my family to attend university, I am currently studying a Bachelor of Midwifery full-time, set to finish my studies end of 2027 with graduation to go ahead 2028.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in midwifery?
I chose midwifery after falling in love with the amazing care I witnessed and felt during the pregnancies with my own children.
My goal when I am a registered midwife is to bridge the care gap for pregnant women, ensuring everyone receives accessible and equitable care, regardless of their background or location. I am committed to building a career centered around cultural safety and accessible care, particularly in rural and remote communities.
What does the Affinity Nursing & Midwifery Scholarship mean to you?
The support from Affinity Nursing and this partnership with CDU means the world to me. It is an incredible boost that allows me to focus on my studies and future goals without the added financial burden. It reinforces my passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal health is valued and worth investing in.
What are your future aspirations once you graduate?
After graduation, I am most interested in becoming an Aboriginal midwife or working in a regional or remote hospital to provide care for those who need it most.
My favourite area of midwifery is postnatal care, I believe it is such an important part of women’s lives where they can be vulnerable after birth and need supportive, woman-centered and culturally safe care.
I aspire to provide culturally safe and accessible care to women in rural and remote communities, supporting them through their pregnancy journey with the respect and understanding that all women deserve.
Angela’s journey is a powerful reminder of how scholarship support can directly remove financial barriers, allowing highly motivated students to focus entirely on their crucial mission.
Her commitment to providing maternal health care in the regions she grew up in is precisely the kind of dedicated, local investment that will transform rural Australian health outcomes for the next generation.
Look out for part 2 which explores future RN nurse, Shaw Bowman’s CDU Scholarship journey.