Bongiorno Group AORA ASM Bursary Program

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 VIC/TAS regional alliance partner, the Bongiorno Group, AOA is delighted to offer a bursary for Victorian and Tasmanian trainees to encourage and facilitate attendance at the 2026 AORA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).
 

The Bongiorno Group is one of Australia’s leading financial services organisations for medical professionals. For more than 60 years, the Bongiorno Group has helped medical professionals grow, manage and protect their wealth. Its qualified advisers specialise in all areas of tax, business advisory, finance, financial planning, insurance and superannuation, always with a clear understanding of the unique financial pathway surgeons navigate from training years to practice ownership and beyond.

The AORA ASM will take place at the Cairns Convention Centre from 9–10 October 2026 preceding the AOA ASM from the 11–15 October 2026.

One bursary is available for an AOA trainee from Victoria or Tasmania. 

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What's included?

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to attend:

  • the 2026 AORA ASM, over two days in Cairns.
  • keynote and paper presentations.
  • the AORA president's cocktail reception.

What's covered?

  • Full costs of the conference registration, including the social function.
  • Return economy fights to Cairns from Vicotria or Tasmania.
  • Up to two nights' accommodation at a premium hotel in Cairns close to the conference.

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicants who reside in Victoria or Tasmania.
  • 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 Bongiorno Group representatives at the AORA ASM. 
  • The opportunity for Bongiorno Group 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 Bongiorno Group or AOA with their agreement.

Application and selection

Applications open 29 May and should be submitted via the online form below by 30 June 2026.

Blue Button Example

Allocation of bursaries will be undertaken by a conference bursary panel which may include representatives of the AORA Executive, AOA head office allocated staff, VIC or TAS branch chairs, and VIC/TAS regional manager. 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 29 May 2026 
  • Bursary applications close 30 June 2026

The successful applicant will be notified by the 31 July 2026. 

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 Membership and Engagement Manager Susie Obeid via susie.obeid@aoa.org.au