AOA Rural and Remote NSW ASM Bursary

The NSW Branch is offering two Rural and Remote NSW ASM bursaries to encourage and facilitate attendance at the NSW Branch Annual Scientific Meeting among members who work in a rural and remote area. 

The bursaries aim to achieve greater rural and remote participation at the 2026 NSW ASM, recognising the challenges issues faced by members who work in these areas.

The NSW ASM will take place at the Sofitel Darling Harbour from 24–25 July 2026.

Two bursaries are available with priority given to trainees, younger fellows or fellows contributing to the NSW ASM program. The bursaries will cover the cost of registration, accommodation and travel (if required) to the NSW ASM. 

What's included?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to attend:

  • the 2026 NSW ASM.
  • keynote and paper presentations.
  • Friday cocktail function.

What's covered?

The bursary will cover the full costs of accommodation, conference registration, and travel (if required) – an approximate value of up to $1,200.

Eligibility criteria

Applications are open to fellows and associates (trainees) who: 

  • practice or are in training in an identified rural or remote area.
  • are financial members of AOA and the NSW Branch.
  • are in part-time or full-time employment capacity.
  • may be on maternity leave.
  • have not received any other AOA awards or bursaries in the last two years.

To determine if you currently practice in an identified rural or remote area, use the modified Monash Model m3-m7 category or rural, remote and metro area classification. The health workforce locator can also be used to help determine a rural or remote classification.

Applicants are asked to provide brief supporting detail on their interest in the NSW ASM. This supporting detail will be used in the assessment process.

Application and selection

Members who meet all the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.

Applications should be submitted via the online form below by Friday 3 July.  

Blue Button Example

Apply here

Allocation of bursaries will be undertaken by a conference bursary panel based on the following key factors:

  • the eligibility criteria.
  • the aim to support rural and remote members.
  • the aim to encourage new ASM attendance.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their attendance at the conference with their relevant employers and supervisors.

Applicants can expect notification about the outcome of their application by 10 July.   

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the results.

It is not possible to provide feedback on applications, and no correspondence regarding decisions on applications will be entered.

If you have any questions related to the bursary, please contact Membership and Engagement Manager Susie Obeid via susie.obeid@aoa.org.au