2026 Tinesh and Fiona Memorial Scholarship recipients announced

St John WA is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Tinesh Tamilkodi and Fiona Lavelle Memorial Scholarships, supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders to grow, learn and give back.

This year, six recipients have been awarded scholarships up to $20,000 each, including two Edith Cowan University (ECU) funded First Nations Scholarships and four St John WA Education Scholarships.

First Nations Scholarship recipients

The scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking an eligible health sciences degree at ECU.

Aidan Collier is studying paramedicine to support patients in their most challenging moments and give back to Aboriginal communities. Relocating from a regional town to pursue his studies, Aidan is focused on building the skills needed to deliver high-quality, culturally respectful care.

Miranda Lauren Knight is a Bachelor of Paramedical Science student driven by compassion and strong cultural connection. As a First Nations woman, she is committed to improving access to healthcare and strengthening outcomes for her community.

St John WA Education Scholarship recipients

These scholarships are designed for team members with a passion for research and leadership, and those who embody the St John WA values: Lead with Heart, Think Team, Make it Better and Walk the Talk. 

Aaron Hart (Emergency Medical Technician – Australind)
Aaron has been part of St John since he was eight. Now studying paramedicine, he continues to serve his community while working towards a career in regional healthcare. The scholarship will support his clinical placements and allow him to focus on becoming a skilled, compassionate paramedic.

Bryce Rowe (Management Accountant)
Bryce is advancing her CPA studies to strengthen financial governance and decision-making at St John. Passionate about continuous improvement, she is focused on ensuring resources are used effectively to support better outcomes for patients and teams.

Rhys Nathanielsz (Ambulance Paramedic – AP2 Metro)
Rhys combines frontline experience with advanced study in medicine, public health and leadership. His focus is on improving care systems and building capability across teams, ensuring better outcomes for patients and communities.

Sherwin Chia (Patient Safety & Quality Specialist)
Sherwin is undertaking further study in remote and extreme healthcare to strengthen service delivery in regional WA. His goal is to translate advanced clinical knowledge into practical improvements for teams operating in challenging environments.

St John WA Group CEO, Kevin Brown, said the Tinesh and Fiona Memorial Scholarships are more than financial support.

“These scholarships are a vote of confidence in people who are already making a difference, and who will go on to shape the future of healthcare across Western Australia,” Mr Brown said.

To find out more about scholarships opportunities at St John WA, click HERE.