Three inspiring students awarded International Women’s Day Scholarship

Brigid Richardson

A passionate advocate for accessibility in public spaces, third-year Engineering student Brigid Richardson has demonstrated resilience and dedication despite facing significant health challenges. Pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours), Brigid is determined to make a lasting impact in the field of civil engineering, particularly in designing inclusive public infrastructure.

“As an engineering student, my focus on human-centred design pinpoints my belief that every person should be able to independently access and travel through our built environments,” Brigid said.

“Ensuring that all people have the ability to move freely throughout our world is an important facet of civil engineering, especially for people with mobility limitations.”

Brigid, who leads the Student Engineering Society and serves as a representative for Engineers Australia, has also secured a position with Lismore City Council, where she works in geospatial asset management.

“This International Women’s Day Scholarship will give me a wonderful opportunity to network with other women in our community, especially those who are involved in providing better conditions in our surroundings. I am especially grateful for this opportunity, as meeting inspiring women such as Alice Zhao and other engineers focused on humanitarian design, fuels my passion for accessible engineering.”

Kadie Vignes

Coffs Harbour Psychology student Kadie Vignes is deeply commitment to supporting women’s mental health and the unique challenges women face. Having navigated her own mental health challenges, Kadie’s personal growth further inspired her determination to help others achieve fulfilling lives.

“During my pivotal adolescent years, I experienced firsthand the challenges women can face. It was through these hardships that I identified my goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist, specifically focusing on women’s mental health,” Kadie said.

“I am deeply honoured to be a recipient of this scholarship, which aligns so closely with both my personal journey and my career aspirations.”

Kadie has worked as a disability support worker for three years, providing emotional and physical support to individuals in need. She aims to complete her Honours degree and later pursue a Master of Clinical Psychology, with a vision of opening her own practice and authoring books that provide strategies for females on maintaining their mental health throughout their menstrual cycle.

“I believe there is a gap in literature that empowers women with knowledge tailored to their biological rhythms,” she said.

Phoebe Osbourne

Final-year Gold Coast Occupational Therapy student Phoebe Osbourne has turned personal adversity into a platform for advocacy and support. Living with epilepsy has shaped her passion for neurological rehabilitation, inspiring her to improve health outcomes for individuals with similar conditions.

“I feel very honoured and grateful to be the recipient of this year’s International Women’s Day Scholarship,” Phoebe said.

“This award will assist in providing opportunities and additional support in my final year of studying. I’m excited to continue working towards my career goals, such as providing occupational therapy services to people living in rural and remote areas of Australia.”

Phoebe was recently selected for a highly competitive placement at Mount Isa Hospital and recognised as one of the highest fundraisers for Epilepsy QLD’s ‘Walk (Run) for Epilepsy’ campaign, running more than 100km and raising more than $2,800.

Congratulations to all of our recipients. For more information on International Women’s Day head here.