Aspen Medical Foundation supports First Nations healthcare scholarship through Gallipoli Scholarship Fund
The Aspen Medical Foundation has partnered with the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund to support First Nations and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Announced at the 2026 Gallipoli Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the new bursary supports descendants of Australian veterans studying health-related qualifications and aims to strengthen future healthcare leadership and health equity across Australia.
Representing the Aspen Medical Foundation at the ceremony were Chair Sian Keys together with board members Glenn and Amelda Keys. The award was presented by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Patron-in-Chief of the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund.
Established in 1998, the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to descendants of Australian veterans undertaking tertiary education. The program recognises young Australians who demonstrate leadership, community contribution and a commitment to service.
The inaugural Aspen Medical Foundation supported Gallipoli Scholar is Jackson Coaby from Adelaide.
Jackson plans to undertake a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine at Adelaide University. He is passionate about improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities and strengthening the Australian healthcare system through education, prevention and culturally safe care.
Supporting future First Nations healthcare leaders
Jackson also carries a strong legacy of service. Four of his First Nations ancestors, all brothers, served in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. One of those brothers, Matthew Garr, who was born on Thursday Island and raised at the Bathurst Mission in the Northern Territory, was killed in Belgium in 1917.
Aspen Medical Social Impact Manager Melissa Broers said the partnership reflects Aspen Medical Foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful pathways into healthcare careers for First Nations and Pacific Islander students.
“Supporting students like Jackson aligns strongly with our social purpose and our commitment to improving health outcomes for communities across Australia and the Pacific,” Melissa said.
“We are proud to support young people who are continuing a legacy of service while pursuing careers that will strengthen healthcare access, culturally safe care and health equity.”
The Aspen Medical Foundation is supported through profits from Aspen Medical Australia Pty Ltd together with the generous support of donors and supporters.