Ms James, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University, was awarded the 2021 Moya Crowe Memorial Scholarship and the Indyamarra Scholarship in Dubbo this week.

Thirteen scholarships were presented during the ceremony, worth $46,800.

Ms James said the scholarships would provide financial assistance during her final year at university, especially during 11 weeks of clinical placement.

She has strong motivation to become a registered nurse as she wants to help bring about improvements to Indigenous people's health.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

"I look forward to the day that I, as an Aboriginal nurse, can make a difference to all community members in their healthcare journeys," she said.

"I want to help provide them with the comfort, trust and safety they deserve through encouragement and providing a safe, respectful and culturally-friendly environment."

Her driving influence stems from her family.

"Throughout my childhood it was painful to witness family members pass away and become statistics in the early mortality rate of our Indigenous population due to diseases and illnesses that could have been treated and prevented," she said.

"They were let down by the lack of knowledge, and by barriers and stereotypes within the healthcare system, and lack of access to health services.

"I want to further my knowledge and skills through studying at master's level and specialise in intensive care unit or emergency department nursing, and I plan to one day become a university lecturer and teach Indigenous health."

The Milestone Donors at Charles Sturt in Dubbo this year are Roger and Jean Morrow who have supported the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust for 22 years, and provide the Indyamarra Scholarships and Prizes.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: