12 December 2023: The University of Canberra has partnered with Symbion Pharmacy, Capital Chemist and The Tall Foundation to establish scholarships at the University in support of students from rural and remote areas – especially Indigenous students – studying for a Bachelor of Pharmacy.
The Symbion and Capital Chemist Rural Pharmacy Scholarship is a collaborative approach to support rural and regional students who have an interest in community pharmacy. Together, the donors have pledged $280,000 over four years (2023–2026 inclusive) for scholarship recipients.
Nylah Anneise Kovacs, Samantha Riding, Elli Halank and Scott Parker, all in the first year of their Bachelor of Pharmacy courses, were named the inaugural recipients of the Symbion and Capital Chemist Rural Pharmacy Scholarship. They each received a $10,000 award.
With home, family and employment a few hours away from Canberra, Mr Halank has struggled to juggle study, work and family commitments while maintaining financial stability.
“Because of the commute, I can't live with my family while I study. This means I need to pay for accommodation, and I go home every weekend to visit my new Border Collie puppy and see my family and friends, so fuel costs add up,” he said.
“I also have a part-time job in our local pharmacy which I didn't want to have to give up. This scholarship takes the pressure off while living away from home and the resulting travel expenses, so it allows me to focus more of my time on study.”
This year, the inaugural scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Symbion, The Tall Foundation and Capital Chemist. This allowed community pharmacy owners from Capital Chemist Group to connect directly with the students, and offer ongoing support and mentorship.
Students also got to meet the University Executive, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Michelle Lincoln – in her former role as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health – formally congratulated the students, and thanked the collective donors for their support.
“This partnership between Symbion, Capital Chemist, and The Tall Foundation has created an incredible opportunity for students from rural and remote areas who are studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy, ensuring those students don’t let distance come between them and a successful future in pharmacy,” she said.
“This special scholarship collective will also provide ongoing peer support and mentorship opportunities for students, now and into the future, as they work towards their degree, graduate, and become important alumni mentors.”
Professor Lincoln also extended thanks to Roger Tall, Co-founder of the Capital Chemist Group and The Tall Foundation, and welcomed him to the University of Canberra, where he has been appointed an Adjunct Professor.
“I would also like to recognise Roger for his longstanding commitment to pharmacy. He is passionate about education and community initiatives, with a particular focus on the provision of university scholarships that encourage students to complete their tertiary education. He will no doubt continue to have great impact through his new role at UC.”
Applications for 2024 are now open. Apply via the Symbion and Capital Chemist Rural Pharmacy Scholarship page and Tall Foundation - Capital Chemist Rural Pharmacy Scholarship page; applications close on 9 February 2024.
