The Connellan Airways Trust is proud to announce the recipients of our 2026 scholarships, a group of remarkable students who share our passion for building a stronger, more skilled outback Australia.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to supporting people in isolated, rural, and remote communities. These scholarships are one of the most direct ways we live out that mission, removing financial barriers and investing in the people who will shape the future of remote Australia.

Outback Australia Scholarship

This year we are delighted to support three recipients of the Connellan Airways Outback Australia Scholarship, each receiving up to $5,000 to support their studies at Charles Darwin University.

Andi Lyons-Dawson has spent over a decade working in social work and community development across Pintupi-Luritja, Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte lands in Central Australia, and is now bringing that deep community knowledge into a Master of Nursing Practice, with plans to specialise in Remote Area and Mental Health Nursing.

Imogen Allen is a mother, part-time Literacy and Learning Therapist, and Master of Speech Pathology student based in Nhulunbuy, driven by a passion for delivering culturally responsive allied health services to children in remote Arnhem Land communities.

Tamara Willcox is a Katherine-based Bachelor of Paramedicine student and dedicated volunteer first responder, committed to building a long-term career as a paramedic serving the Katherine region and remote NT communities. Tamara is a returning recipient, having first received our support in 2025, and we are proud to continue backing her as she moves into the final stretch of her degree.

CDU Medical Program Scholarship

2026 marks the inaugural year of the CDU Menzies Medical Program, and we are proud to be a foundation supporter of this landmark course, one that promises to transform the pipeline of doctors trained in and for remote Australia.

Shay Higgins is the recipient of our CDU Medical Program Scholarship, valued at up to $10,000. A Darwin-born, Daly River-raised first-year medical student and mother, Shay's background in food and nutrition science and years working across NT Health and the public service have driven her to pursue her dream of becoming an emergency doctor or rural generalist serving remote NT communities. Shay's story speaks directly to our mission, a outback local, investing in herself to give back to the communities she knows and loves.

Looking Ahead

To Andi, Imogen, Tamara, and Shay, welcome to the Connellan Airways Trust family. We are proud to play a small part in your journeys and look forward to seeing the difference you make across outback Australia.