Remoteness and talent are a winning combination for Borroloola local Hannah Woerle, who has won the prestigious 2011 E.J. Connellan Award.
Studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Charles Darwin University, Hannah has been named the sole recipient of the $20,000 Award that aims to assist people above the age of 16 years who live in the remote areas of Australia.
Completing her secondary schooling by correspondence from Nathan River Ranger Station, Limmen National Park, she achieved an excellent academic record and impressive list of extra curricular activities.
Chairman of the Connellan Airways Trust, Max Horton OAM said the Trust was delighted to have a winner of Hannah’s calibre.
“The Trust was extremely pleased with the strong field of applicants for this year’s award, which makes Hannah’s win all the more praiseworthy,” he said.
Hannah said she intended to use her qualifications to go directly into a job specialising in medicine, exercise physiology or medical engineering.
“My other option is to continue my tertiary studies to become a doctor and then travel outback Australia using my skills to manage medical issues affecting remote families and communities,” she said.
“I have always fostered a strong sense of purpose associated with the delivery of medical services within a remote context.
“I hope to be able to work in a career that improves the provision of medical services in remote situations, or a career in an area closely related to these issues.”
The Connellan Award was established in 1988 by the Connellan Airways Trust in honour of the founder of the Trust, the pioneering Northern Territory aviator, Eddie Connellan.
Since the Alice Springs-based Trust began in 1981, it has provided more than $2.5 million to the residents of outback Australia.