Nursing Scholarships
As part of this ongoing commitment for staff training, the inaugural Winnie May Nursing Scholarship was announced in May 2004. Nurse Winnie May, the niece of Dr Thomas Henry May, was trained by her uncle, Dr May, who was the Surgeon for the Bundaberg Hospital in 1884. Later, Dr May became the Medical Superintendent and was a principal founding member of the new Bundaberg Hospital.
This Scholarship, valued at up to $5000, is generously donated by the descendents of Dr May and will be offered each year for nursing staff at the Registered Nursing and Enrolled Nursing level who are employed at Bundaberg Hospital to encourage them to continue their professional development through an accredited nursing related course either on a full-time or part-time basis.
The Scholarship is open to all permanent Registered Nursing and Enrolled Nursing staff at Bundaberg Hospital whose studies are likely to be completed during the two year tenure of the Scholarship. The Scholarship will contribute towards the tuition, books and charges related to these studies.
Previous Winners
Selection Process
- 2021 Stephen Smith, Julie Spargo, Kathleen Walker & Michelle Irwin
- 2020 Anju Paul, Stephanie De Papi
- 2019 Amanda English, Nick Nijkamp, Amanda Evans
- 2018 Lovely Korner, Adenelle Antolin
- 2017 Cherie Arnold, Emma Shears, Katherine Powis, Kerri Ann Conard
- 2016 Geraldine Griffiths, Anita Smith, Candice Bauer
- 2015 Antoinette Hollett and Zaina Glynn
- 2014 Liz Sellwood, Melanie Robinson, Naisam Sainudeen
- 2013 Patricia Doyle
- 2012 Nancy Scott, Jin Jin Gao
- 2011 Tracey Devine, Lisa Watson, Mandy Zweedyk
- 2010 Nicole Blunt, Michelle Blackwell, Carleen Ellis
- 2009 Sharon Mick
- 2008 Michelle Lacey, John Gamlin, Dohna Myler
- 2007 Sandra Sharp
- 2006 Christine Cameron
- 2005 Rene Huysamen
- 2004 Suzanne Vanderberg


Each year the Foundation funds the Melanie Robinson Midwifery Award. The award is open only to midwives who are working in a maternity (including ante-natal and post-natal) environment at Bundaberg Hospital to further enhance their work practice.
Melanie, loved being a midwife, and was a Winnie May Scholarship recipient in 2014. These Scholarships are held annually by the Foundation to provide nurse education to those at Bundaberg Hospital.
She received $1500 for her studies in neonatal nursing allowing her to undertake a post-graduate degree in neonatal nursing through the Australian College of Nurses.
It has been Melanie’s passion and long term professional goal to become a specialised neonatal nurse.
The Foundation believes this is a fitting tribute and lasting reminder to a remarkable young nurse and midwife.
The award will be announced in conjunction with our annual Winnie May Scholarship function.
Selection Process
Previous Winners
- 2021 Jocelyn Penny
- 2020 Nikola Greenash
- 2019 Emily Sorbie, Michelle Shield, Jodie-Lee Nowland
- 2018 Sharon Watkins
- 2017 Susan Betts
- 2016 Holly Sinclair

The Sharon Benson Nursing Scholarship is open to all nurses employed in the Cancer Care area at the ER, RN and CNC level.
This scholarship has been initiated by Col and Sue Benson, in memory of their daughter, Sharon, and coordinated by the Bundaberg Hospital Foundation.
Sharon spent 5 long years battling Stage 4 bowel cancer and was a huge inspiration to the team at the Bundaberg Cancer Care unit. It was Sharon’s intention to give something back to the staff, in acknowledgement of the care she received, year after year. The scholarship is Sharon’s legacy and a lasting reminder of her indomitable spirit.
Selection Process
Previous Winners
- 2021 Hsuan-Wen Hsu
- 2020 Moirag Meehan

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