As those of us living and working in regional Australia know all too well, the ongoing shortage of qualified health professionals servicing our communities means that access to quality and timely healthcare can never be taken for granted. For many, accessing vital medical care can involve long waits and even longer travel times.
To help address some of these shortages, LiveBetter has partnered with the Country Education Foundation (CEF) to launch a three-year nursing scholarship. The scholarship will provide much-needed financial support to nursing students living in rural and regional areas, easing their path to graduation and ultimately increasing the number of qualified nurses serving on the ground in these communities.
Meet the 2025 LiveBetter – CEF Nursing Scholarship Recipient
Nicole Kayne, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery at La Trobe University, Mildura, was recently selected as the inaugural LiveBetter – CEF Nursing Scholarship recipient.
Nicole knows firsthand what it’s like to live in a town where quality healthcare is not always a certainty, and when she graduates, she hopes to use her skills and expertise to be part of the solution.
We caught up with Nicole to learn more about her experiences growing up in a small, regional town, how that contrasts with her life as a university student, and what motivates her to aim high, even when it can seem a little overwhelming.
At just nineteen years old, Nicole is an impressive young woman. Raised on a farm in the rural South Western NSW town of Balranald, she’s one of only three students in her graduating high school class to go on to university.
“I loved growing up in a small community. It’s very close-knit. Everyone knows everyone, so you really feel like you belong. You can talk to anyone.”
Throughout her schooling, Nicole’s Dad was a pillar of support. He saw the value of getting a good education.
“My Dad would listen to me read out my assessments to make sure they sounded good, and he’d offer up rewards for good marks, like money or a family trip away. Dad helped me do well.”
Why nursing?
From a young age, Nicole was inspired by family members who worked in the health sector.
“So many relatives on my father’s side of the family work in healthcare. I remember hearing their stories when I was growing up – it was inspiring. I could see how rewarding it would be to have a job that was all about helping people.”
Nicole is also acutely aware of the challenges faced by many in her community who need to access healthcare.
“There’s always been a lack of nurses and midwives in areas like Balranald, where I grew up. In the future, I’d like to help fill that gap and give back to my community.”
On University
Today, Nicole is doing a double degree in Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University’s Mildura campus.
“A great thing about nursing is that there are so many areas to specialise in, and there’s just so much you can learn. You can have so many different experiences while staying in the same profession.”
“In terms of where I want it to lead me, I would like to either work as a midwife in a birthing suite or in neonatal intensive care.”
Nicole believes that access to quality healthcare can change lives, and after graduation, she hopes to live and work in a regional area where she can make a meaningful difference. In the meantime, Nicole is kept busy enjoying university life and the independence it offers her.
“I like that I’ve met new people and made new friends. And it’s nice being independent, to be treated as an equal, and not to always have someone hounding you to hand in your assessments – but at the same time, it means I have to work hard to organise myself, get my pre-work done, and get my assessments handed in on time.”
Nicole’s advice for school leavers who might be considering university is to give it a go.
“Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, it’s a great opportunity. You’ll always use what you learn, and it might lead you to a career you’d never even dreamed of before.”
On the LiveBetter – CEF Nursing Scholarship
Nicole is incredibly grateful for the scholarship, which helps her manage some of the costs incurred by living away from home to study.
“The scholarship means I can focus on my studies because I’m not having to worry about getting a part-time job to pay for everything. And it helps take some of the burden off Mum and Dad – it’s good not to have to go to them every time I need something.”
Quick questions:
- What is the best thing about your studies?
“Learning new things that interest me.”
- What is the most challenging thing about your studies?
“Staying on top of my assessments and work without procrastinating and overwhelming myself.”
- Top tip to manage study life balance.
“Make sure you leave time for both. Don’t expect to have one full week of relaxation and think you’re going to go into the next week and do a full week of work. Make sure you spread it out and allow yourself time.”
- What keeps you inspired?
“I want to achieve my career goals and thinking about what that could look like in the future keeps me inspired.”
- Hopes for the future
“I want to get a job I enjoy, have a family, maybe travel one day. But most of all, I just want to be able to help people. To help fill the gaps and shortages in rural health care.”
- Top tip for others considering studying nursing
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because there are people around who are there to help you. And make sure you have a good stethoscope so you can practice at home and feel more confident.”
Applications for the 2026 CEF-LiveBetter Nursing Scholarship will open on 1 July 2025.
- To be eligible students must be:
- Enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing, or similar, on a full-time equivalent load, at an approved Australian university or training organisation.
- From a location where LiveBetter has a presence
- Have a strong desire to return to regional Australia as a registered nurse.
To apply, visit the Country Education Foundation website
