A Pilbara-based Aboriginal health practitioner has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to undertake further study in Indigenous research.

Sharon Lockyer, a proud Nyul Nyul woman from Beagle Bay, is the recipient of the 2025 Healthway Aboriginal Research Training Scholarship, which supports Aboriginal-led health promotion research across Western Australia.

WA Country Health Service said the scholarship aims to build local expertise and support the next generation of Aboriginal health researchers.

"The scholarship is designed to support innovative health promotion solutions by empowering Aboriginal people to lead research that responds directly to community needs," a WA Country Health Service spokesperson said.

Ms Lockyer has worked in Aboriginal health for more than 15 years and is WA Country Health Service's first Aboriginal Health Practitioner based in the Pilbara.

In her current role, she provides culturally safe, comprehensive care, including immunisations, health assessments and chronic disease management, while also leading outreach services to remote communities.

WA Country Health Service said Ms Lockyer has played a key role in improving access to holistic family health services and has been involved in the early detection of rheumatic heart disease through echocardiography screening as part of the RHD NEARER SCAN project.

"Her work has helped strengthen early detection and improve engagement with families across the region," the spokesperson said.

In 2026, Ms Lockyer will take on a new pilot role as an Aboriginal Research Translation Officer based in the Pilbara, while completing a Diploma in Indigenous Research online through Charles Darwin University.

WA Country Health Service said she will continue living and working in the Pilbara as she undertakes her studies, supporting future Aboriginal health research and translation in the region.

The Healthway Fellowship and Scholarship Program is expected to reopen in March.