Oral Health Therapy Student Penelope Billings Recipient of 2020 David Bowler Memorial Award

Penelope has worked in the dental field for 12 years (the last ten years in Broken Hill) and began studying for her degree in 2018 as a mature aged student.

The David Bowler Memorial Award, sponsored by the Far West Local Health District and Broken Hill City Council, is an annual grant that commemorates the name and work of the late Dr Bowler, who was a highly-respected paediatrician at Broken Hill Health Service.

The Award is a $5,000 lump sum payment to a student pursuing a course in a health-related discipline at a recognised tertiary institution. It is designed to provide financial support to a local student by helping pay for the costs associated with that study.

The scholarship will help Penelope with costs associated with her full time studies, to attend placements during 2020, as well as allowing her more time to focus on her studies.

Penelope said on completion of her degree she would like to return to Broken Hill to work in oral health, especially for those in need. She previously worked at Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Corporation and is passionate about clients in remote locations being able to access dental services. This is what prompted her to apply for tertiary studies.

'Prior to accepting an offer to further my studies, I witnessed several disruptions to the dental services in Broken Hill,' said Penny.

'Quite often health services find it challenging to secure long-term clinicians due to our remote location; I hope to provide continued care to the residents of Broken Hill at the completion of my studies.

'I was also truly honoured and humbled by the actions of the Broken Hill community throughout my mother's illness.

'It is this community spirit that I have missed during my years on the Central Coast and look forward to returning home to give back to the community.'

Penelope said she was extremely grateful to the family of the late Dr David Bowler, the Far West Local Health District and BH City Council for making the scholarship possible.

Broken Hill Health Service General Manager, Ms Melissa Welsh, congratulated Penelope on winning this year's scholarship.

'On behalf of the health service, we wish Penelope well in her studies.'

Ms Welsh is a past recipient of the scholarship and said she was pleased that Penelope aspired to return to the Far West to work in her field.

Broken Hill Mayor Darriea Turley AM also congratulated Penny on winning the scholarship.

'Penny is a remarkable Broken Hill local who should serve as an inspiration to all young women,' she said.

'She has excelled in her time in Newcastle as evidenced by her distinction average and her role as president of the University's Oral Health Society over the past two years.

'She also volunteers her time for kids in the Children's University program and assisted the people of Cambodia during her paediatric placement in South East Asia.

'She is a great ambassador for our city, and on behalf of Council and the community I would like to wish her every success with her future studies.'