Scholarship empowers paramedic passion for FNQ
CQUniversity Paramedic graduate Raewyn Mann has turned her passion for helping into a career serving Queensland communities, and says The John Villiers Trust made the pathway possible.
The Cairns local, who graduated with her Bachelor of Paramedic Science in 2021, earned The John Villiers Trust Paramedical Student CQUniCares Scholarship, receiving $30,000 across the three years of her degree.
Now a paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Raewyn has spent the past three years caring for people across Far North Queensland.
Raewyn says the life-changing career might not have happened without scholarship support.
“I was 18, living on the other side of the country from my family during COVID… (and) I couldn’t work full-time while studying and completing placements,” she explained.
“I truly believe I wouldn’t be as successful without their support.”
Since graduating, Raewyn’s work has taken her to Mareeba, Mossman, Port Douglas and Kuranda, with relief placements in Cooktown, Bamaga and Thursday Island, where she says she “fell in love with the Torres Strait”.
Working in rural and remote regions has helped Raewyn develop independence and adaptability.
“You don’t always have backup from other crews, so you learn to collaborate closely with QFES and QPS. Those communities really do pull together, and I love that,” she said.
Her experience has also inspired her to find new ways to serve regional Queensland.
Earlier this year, she moved to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Midwifery, with the goal of combining both qualifications.
“There’s a huge gap in midwifery services in rural areas, and I’d like to help close that gap while still working as a paramedic,” she explains.
“My goal is to finish midwifery, complete my grad year in Cairns and eventually work rurally as both a paramedic and midwife.
“Working in these areas, you see how much people value QAS and the care we provide. That means everything.”
While studying, Raewyn works casually with QAS Metro North, balancing shifts and study with the same determination that defined her student years.
“The scholarship didn’t just fund my studies, it built the foundation for everything I’m doing now,” she said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the John Villiers Trust for believing in me and supporting students like me to make a real difference.”
Visit CQUniversity’s Scholarships website to learn how generous donors can support your CQU studies.
