The aim of the Apunipima Bernie Singleton Scholarship is to provide support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from Cape York communities to undertake a full time university qualification in Health or Health Management related studies.
Central to the concept of the Scholarship is the development of a local, stable, sustainable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workforce for the communities of Cape York.
It is anticipated that the provision of the Scholarship support will not only assist in building capacity, but will also impact social determinants of the people of Cape York communities, and potentially assist in facilitating generational change.
The scholarship will provide financial support to community members who have been successful in securing a place at university or are currently enrolled in university, in health or management related studies, such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
About Bernie
Bernie Singleton has had a career in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander affairs spanning fifty years and was Chairman of Apunipima Cape York Health Council for 13 years.
Bernie grew up in Yarrabah. His paternal grandfather was a Yirrikanji man whose country runs from Cairns to Port Douglas. His paternal grandmother was an Umpila woman whose land is a part of the KULLA Land Trust and runs into the Lockhart River Land Trust. His maternal grandfather was a Blindal man (Townsville) of the Birri Gubba tribe while his maternal grandmother was a Woppaburra woman from Great Keppel Island. Bernie also has family connections all over Queensland.
“Our approach is for the people by the people and is based on a grass-roots approach rather than a top down approach, and this is where the key difference is for our services. We believe that the health system needs to change if it is not resulting in better outcomes for our people.”
When Bernie was elected Chairman of Apunipima there were only 15 employees and the organisation was on the brink of closure. His stewardship saw Apunipima scope and develop its role as a community controlled health service. One of his greatest achievements was in 2004 when he was instrumental in securing a Deed of Commitment from the Cape York Regional Health Forum to develop a community controlled health organisation in Cape York. Shortly afterward, Apunipima began to deliver Maternal and Child Health Services, Healthy Lifestyle services and medical services across 11 communities in Cape York.
During his 13 year tenure as Chairman, Bernie also ensured that Apunipima was an active member of NACCHO and QAIHC, national and state peak bodies for Aboriginal and Islander health.
