Scholarship named in honour of much-loved Elder supports Aboriginal healthcare students

Callan Morse Published May 19, 2026 at 4.00pm (AWST)

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Aunty Ida’s son, Michael Anning, and daughter, Sally Blanden, alongside scholarship recipient Alex Hancock. (Image: supplied)

Ten Aboriginal healthcare students in Tasmania have each been awarded awarded Ida West Aboriginal Health Scholarships in support of their tertiary studies.

The scholarship supports Aboriginal students to achieve their study goals when undertaking education in a health and human services-related field, including but not limited to medicine, allied health, nursing and midwifery.

Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Bridget Archer, said three new recipients received a scholarship in 2026, with ongoing scholarship support offered to seven recipients who continue to demonstrate eligibility and academic success.

The 2026 recipients include Chelsea Poke, Eliza Jacoora, Elle Singh, Emarra Gower, Grace Verco, Jordan Glover, Luana Towney, Alex Hancock, Georgie McGregor, and Zayden Dare-Rainey.

Recipients, their families and guests gathered at Risdon Cove last week to celebrate their achievements and the awarding of the scholarships.

*Aunty Ida's son, Michael Anning, and daughter, Sally Blanden, alongside scholarship recipient Chelsea Poke. (Image: supplied)*

Ms Archer said the scholarships pay tribute to the work and life of Aunty Ida, who passed away in September 2023.

"Aunty Ida West was one of Tasmania's foremost Aboriginal Elders and made significant contributions to social justice and reconciliation both in Tasmania and nationally," Minister Archer said.

Aunty Ida's legacy

Mrs West, known to all as Aunty Ida, was a longtime advocate for Aboriginal people and a prominent social activist.

She was born on the Reserve at Cape Barren Island. Her family moved to Killiecrankie, on Flinders Island, in the early 1920s.

Aunty Ida married in 1939 and had three children - two sons and a daughter.

In her lifetime, her work achieved significant gains in women's health, land rights and the recognition of the Aboriginal community in Tasmania.

She was named the NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year in 2002 and was a Member of the Order of Australia.

"Just be who you are and be proud of whatever side you're on, whatever blood is in you and hold your head up high," Aunty Ida said in 1977.

"Show some respect for all and hope that everyone respects you. That's the main thing. That's all any of us can do."

Following her passing in 2003 at age 83, Uncle Rodney Dillon said Aunty Ida "continued her struggle for the Aboriginal community, which typified her life".

"Auntie Ida was a fighter to the end," Uncle Rodney said. "More importantly, she was a fighter who earned respect from everyone who had the privilege to meet her."

Aunty Ida Mrs spent many years campaigning for the return of Wybalenna on Flinders Island to Aboriginal people, and was the guest of honour when the handover took place in 1999.

*Tasmanian Department of Health Chief Aboriginal Health Advisor, Suzie Smith, speaks at last week's gathering. (Image: supplied)*

The Scholarship's impact

Since the scholarship's establishment in 2004, 46 students have been supported to study nursing and midwifery, medicine, paramedicine, allied health, Aboriginal health, and community services qualifications.

Scholarships are awarded up to a maximum of $5,000 per recipient in each calendar year.

Over the past 22 years, a total of $448,750 has been provided in scholarship support, according to the government.

The government said past scholarship recipients have found financial support to be critically important in allowing them to complete their studies.

Scholarship recipients have described the scholarship as having a significant impact not only on their studies, but also on their passion to contribute to their communities after graduation, the government said.