Sisters empowering women through education

Built on core values of hospitality, compassion, respect, justice and excellence, the Sisters of St John of God have dedicated themselves to supporting the sick and needy
for over a century.

The inspirational service and dedication of the Sisters has paved the way for health care in Australia, and today their legacy lives on at St John of God hospitals and numerous health care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Building on their legacy of supporting our communities, the Sisters have established the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through
Education to celebrate their 150th year anniversary.

The new scholarship, named after founding Sister Bridget Clancy, aims to empower caregivers to continue their study. The inaugural cohort was announced in March 2022, with scholarships awarded to 33 scholars across 12 hospitals.

Karen Benson, a physiotherapist at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, will be completing a Master of Physiotherapy – Pelvic Health thanks to the scholarship. 

"I am so very thankful for the opportunity that the Sisters are able to provide,” says Karen.

“This scholarship allows me to continue my postgraduate studies, enhancing my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible pelvic floor physiotherapy care to patients.

“I hope to be a role model for other girls and women, both in health care and the general community, by demonstrating that education is something to be proud of, and striving for ongoing knowledge is possible, and should be celebrated.”

This philanthropic investment from the Sisters of St John of God will help to unlock the potential of caregivers like Karen. These scholarships will have an impact far beyond the life of the individual scholars, and will have a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families for years to come as well.