Scholarship to honour Kirsty

The Kirsty Boden Memorial Scholarship was established as a tribute to the devoted Riverland nurse who was aiding victims in the June terror attack on London Bridge when she was tragically killed.

In honour of Ms Boden, the state government is providing $100,000 to fund the scholarship for at least five years.

The Kirsty Boden Memorial Scholarship is open to final year nursing students from regional SA studying at any Flinders campus, with two scholarships, worth $10,000 each to be awarded.

Developed in consultation with the Boden family, the scholarship will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic commitment.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the scholarship was a fitting honour and lasting legacy to help preserve the memory of Kirsty by fostering the best and brightest of a new generation of aspiring nurses.

“We recognise that there are additional challenges faced by regional students in pursuing their dreams, and this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for students of great potential but limited means,” he said.

Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said Kirsty Boden stood out for her compassion, enthusiasm and determination to make a difference.

“The Kirsty Boden Memorial Scholarship celebrates these attributes by supporting others to follow in her footsteps and continue her legacy of committed nursing care,” he said.

“As a result of the state government’s deeply appreciated support at least 10 country students will be assisted to achieve their nursing dream, inspired by the selflessness of an outstanding Flinders graduate in Kirsty Boden.” 

Meanwhile, Kirsty will receive a posthumous Flinders University Distinguished Alumni award.

The honour will be presented to the Boden family in a special ceremony to coincide with the announcement of the successful scholarship recipients in early March.