Graduates Amy Rawstron, India Flanders and Eleisha Cone with Acting MNCLHD Chief executive Jill Wong, Aboriginal Health Workforce and Strategy Nurse Manager Kathleen Bohannon and Director of Aboriginal Health and Primary Partnerships Robyn Martin.

Three remarkable nurses graduate from cadet program

Dec 04, 2024

The Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is celebrating the achievements of three outstanding graduates who have successfully completed their Bachelor of Nursing studies through Southern Cross University and the MNCLHD Aboriginal Nursing Cadet Program.

Amy Rawstron, Eleisha Cone, and India Flanders joined MNCLHD in early 2024 as part of the Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship program, a pivotal initiative aimed at nurturing the professional growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students.

During the past year, they have demonstrated exceptional dedication, balancing academic rigor with practical training and mentorship.

In 2025, Amy, Eleisha, and India will take the next step in their professional journey by participating in the Grad-Start program, which will further enhance their skills and clinical knowledge as they transition into early-career nursing roles.

India’s journey includes an exciting additional milestone: she will continue her studies in midwifery, beginning the Mid-Start program at Macksville District Hospital in July 2025.

This pathway will enable her to deepen her expertise in maternal health and contribute meaningfully to supporting mothers and newborns in local communities.

Aboriginal Health Workforce and Strategy Nurse Manager Kathleen Bohannon said the Aboriginal Nursing Cadet Program had been instrumental in equipping these graduates with the hands-on experience, guidance, and career opportunities needed to thrive in the healthcare sector.

“Their success is a testament to the program’s mission to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and strengthen healthcare delivery in Indigenous communities,” Ms Bohannon said.

“We are immensely proud of Amy, Eleisha, and India for their remarkable achievements and their commitment to making a difference in healthcare.

“Congratulations to these inspiring young nurses as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their careers. Their dedication and passion embody the future of compassionate and inclusive healthcare.”