Skye Kinder is still coming to terms with being named Young Victorian Australian of the Year.
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The Bendigo doctor, who has been recognised for her passion and efforts as a rural health advocate, said it was a lot to process.
“It was a bit exciting but I was very shocked and overwhelmed,” she said.
“I didn’t know I had won until I was there and heard my named being read out. Over the next few days I think it will set in a bit more.
Dr Kinder’s win means she is now in the running for the national Young Australian of the Year award, to be announced on January 25, 2019.
“To be in Canberra and considered on that sort of level for the work you do – there’s no words for that,” she said.
“Overall, it's just a great opportunity to promote regional and rural health and take the platform I’ve been given to do something meaningful.”
Going forward, Dr Kinder hopes to improve programs running in local hospitals while eliminating barriers that hinder young doctors pursuing medical careers in regional areas.
“There is lots of work to be done on variety of levels,” she said.
“I’d like to see more emphasis on listening to junior doctors experiencing those difficulties (in pursuing specialty education programs) and hearing possible solutions so more people can access them.
“A lot of work (can be done) at local levels in hospital service to improve programs already running (as well as) education for junior doctors.
“Through the Junior Medical Officer Forum of Victoria, we are considering the current logistical and practical issues in providing educational programs across state and also rural settings.”
Dr Kinder is also a board member of the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria. She was named Victoria’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2017 and Bendigo’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Dr Kinder’s father and his experience in traveling to Melbourne regularly for medical appointments is one of the main reasons she has dedicated her career to improving regional and rural health.
At the awards ceremony at Government House on Tuesday night, Dr Kinder said she shared a moment with her father from the stage.
“My parents were very excited. I saw dad as I was accepting my award. He was in the crowd and we made eye contact for a moment, which was very special,” she said.
“I think every award is always a team effort and I am thankful to the Bendigo community who has always been supportive and continued to encourage me.”
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