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The Vera Scantlebury Brown Child Welfare Memorial Trust Scholarship

The Vera Scantlebury Brown Child Welfare Memorial Trust Scholarship

Vera Scantlebury Brown (1889-1946). Photo: Wikimedia Commons/University of Melbourne Archives catalogue

Members in the maternal and child health field are eligible to apply for the 2022 Vera Scantlebury Brown Child Welfare Memorial Trust Scholarship. But hurry: applications close Sunday 10 July 2022.

This scholarship was created in 1946 to commemorate and continue the work of Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown OBE. Dr Scantlebury Brown was the first director of maternal, infant and pre-school welfare in Victoria, from 1926 to 1946. Together with Sister Muriel Peck, Dr Scantlebury Brown is considered the founder of Victoria’s Maternal & Child Health service, and she is widely respected as being a fierce and effective advocate for mothers and women to have access to quality maternal and child health nursing services.

The scholarship is awarded to support the professional development of women working in the areas of maternal and child health, early childhood education, prenatal, child and family health, development and wellbeing. Under the terms of the trust deed, it is open to women only.

The purpose of the scholarship is to support the successful applicant to undertake further studies and/or research in Australia or overseas. Applications for reimbursement of costs for prior learning or travel will not be considered.

Benefits and conditions

In 2022, the value of the scholarship is for costs up to $8000. More than one scholarship may be awarded.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to work in Victoria for at least 12 months in the area relating to her scholarship. Within three months of the completion of her scholarship, they will be required to submit a report to the scholarship’s trustees.

Selection criteria

Selection of the scholar is based on three main criteria:

  • the extent to which the applicant’s proposal contributes to maternal and child welfare
  • the professional and/or academic merit of the application and supporting documents
  • the personal circumstances of the applicant.

Applications

Applications close on Sunday 10 July 2022. Applications must be in writing to the trustees on the approved application form (DOCX 712.8 KB) and reach the coordinator of the trust on or before the closing date for applications.

For further information, members should email the Melbourne Medical School’s department of paediatrics: paeds-general-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

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