Albury student Olivia Jom, currently studying dentistry at the University of La Trobe's Bendigo campus, is the inaugural recipient of the 2010 NSW Regional Dentistry Scholarship

sponsored by The Nationals Senator for New South Wales, John Williams.

Senator Williams has committed to providing $4,800 of his own funds in 2010 to help Olivia in her studies.  He plans to fund a similar scholarship amount each year during his current Senate term for a commencing dentistry student from regional NSW.

As part of her scholarship, Olivia will also receive mentoring support from Dr Christopher Cole, a dentist based in Armidale NSW.

The NSW regional dentistry scholarship is being administered by the National Rural Health Alliance which has overseen the application process.

Senator Williams said Olivia, who attended school in Victoria and later in Corowa and Albury, plans to work in regional NSW once she graduates as a dentist.

“Her commitment to her local community and her desire to help others mean she is an ideal choice for this first scholarship,” Senator Williams said.

Chair of the National Rural Health Alliance, Dr Jenny May, said the standard of applicants was outstanding, which presented a difficult task for the selection panel.

Dr May thanked Senator Williams for sponsoring the scholarship which, over time, will help provide more dentistry services into regional New South Wales.

ENDS