The Bongiorno National Network AORA ASM Bursary

AOA has developed national and regional alliances with leading organisations to deliver enhanced services, resources, activities and expert advice to our members. These alliances also support AOA's strategic goals. 

In partnership with national alliance partner, Bongiorno National Network (BNN), AOA is delighted to offer a bursary for AOA trainees to encourage and facilitate attendance at the 2025 AORA annual scientific meeting (ASM). 

The Bongiorno National Network brings together like-minded offices across every state, united by shared values and a focus on the financial needs of medical professionals and surgeons. This collaboration enables the sharing of specialised knowledge to deliver expert, consistent advice—helping surgeons grow, manage and protect their wealth, wherever they practice in Australia.

The AORA ASM will take place at the Grand Chancellor in Hobart from 10–11 October 2025 preceding the AOA ASM from the 12–16 October 2025.

One bursary is available for one AOA trainee from anywhere in Australia. 

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What's included?

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend:

  • The 2025 AORA ASM, over two days in Hobart
  • Keynote and paper presentations
  • The AORA president's cocktail reception

What's covered?

  • Full costs of the conference registration, including social functions
  • Return economy fights to Hobart from place of residence (excluding Hobart-based applicants)
  • Up to two night’s accommodation at a premium hotel in Hobart close to the conference

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicants who are employed in a part-time or full-time capacity.
  • Applicants who are financial members of AOA (associate/trainee).
  • Applicants who may be on interruption from their training.
  • Applicants who have not received any other AOA bursaries or prizes in the last two years.

Applicants are asked to provide brief supporting detail on their interest in the AORA ASM and how their attendance will benefit their training, practice, or career.

In addition, please note that the successful applicant will need to provide consent to the following: 

  • Image, name, career stage and other relevant details to be listed in AOA relevant communications including AOA social promotion
  • Meeting with BNN representatives at the AORA ASM. 
  • The opportunity for BNN to utilise the relevant bursary winner's image, name, career stage and other relevant details for their own communication and promotion.
  • Production of a short AORA ASM post attendance report on their involvement and gains of attendance.
  • Use of any content from the post attendance report on their involvement by either BNN or AOA with their agreement.

Application and selection

Applications open 30 May and should be submitted via the online form below by 30 June 2025.

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Allocation of bursaries will be undertaken by a conference bursary panel which may include representatives of the AORA Executive, BNN, AOA head office allocated staff, state branch chairs, and regional managers. The bursary panel will review: 

  • eligibility criteria
  • application response/input.

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

Timing

The proposed timing is set as follows:

  • Bursary applications open 30 May 2025 
  • Bursary applications close 30 June 2025

A decision will be made and the successful applicant will be notified by the 31 July 2025. 

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

If you have any questions, please contact susie.obeid@aoa.org.au