Blog
A pathway into veterinary medicine for Indigenous students
For Georgia Edwards, a love of animals and life in regional Western Australia shaped her ambition to become a veterinarian.
A 22-year-old Menang Noongar woman from Albany, Georgia grew up riding horses, caring for poddy calves and participating in rural community life. Her interest in veterinary medicine was sparked by a treasured copy of All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, gifted to her by her grandfather.
After graduating from Albany Senior High School in 2022, Georgia took a gap year to work as a dental nurse and save the money she needed to move to Perth and begin the doctor’s degree.
Moving away from home and leaving her horses behind was challenging, but Georgia found a strong sense of belonging through Waardong.
What is Waardong?
Waardong is a special entry and enabling support program at Murdoch University for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people pursuing veterinary medicine and other animal and biological science-based courses.
“Being a part of Waardong means so much to me. It is so central to my daily uni life, I couldn’t imagine going through the degree without it,” Georgia said.
Alongside providing a pathway into veterinary medicine, Waardong offers academic, cultural and personal support throughout students’ university journeys.
For Georgia, her connection with Waardong began before she had even arrived at Murdoch.
After being accepted into the veterinary degree, Georgia received a phone call from Barbara Hostalek, a Waardong Lecturer at Murdoch University. Having deferred her studies for a year, Georgia was still living in Albany when Barb first contacted her.
“Barb was so supportive and informative, which made the daunting mountain of forms, paperwork and generally confusing administrative tasks feel all the more achievable.”
The support continued throughout her gap year, reassuring Georgia that her place at Murdoch was waiting for her while she worked towards making university possible.
While Waardong provides a place to study and access support, Georgia says it is the people who make it special.
“The support and mentorship from Barb and Gemima, but also the camaraderie and kinship with my girls in third year, I couldn’t do it without them.”
Finding support beyond the classroom
For Georgia, some of her most memorable moments at Waardong have been late-night study sessions with Gemima and other veterinary students. Together, they work through difficult concepts, share experiences and support each other through the pressures of the degree.
“It is difficult to express how helpful it is to discuss concepts with others, not only for learning but also for connection and enjoyment of the course.”
The friendships have also provided an important source of personal support.
"Being surrounded by people who share the same mental loads, stressors and concerns really makes you feel understood and seen. They don’t judge or try to give solutions; they just listen and share their own experiences."
Even the walk to the car park afterwards has become a valued part of the routine.
“The walk to the car park together afterwards, normally in the dark, always leaves me feeling a million times lighter, more energised and motivated.”
Keeping an open mind for the future
With two years of her veterinary degree still ahead, Georgia is keeping an open mind about her future career.
She is particularly interested in large animal medicine and equine practice, reflecting her rural upbringing. She currently works as a veterinary nurse assistant at Murdoch’s Equine Hospital, gaining experience in equine clinical practice while staying connected to animals that have always been an important part of her life.
“I’m still undecided on the exact discipline I hope to pursue after graduation. My current goal is to keep an open mind, to try everything and close off nothing.”
Georgia hopes to continue training after graduation and eventually return to a regional area.
“I absolutely adore the country and the associated lifestyle. At the end of the day, all I really want is to make a positive impact in whichever discipline I choose and in whatever community I end up in.”
Find out more about Waardong First Nations Veterinary Medicine and Science Path
Blog
A pathway into veterinary medicine for Indigenous students
Series
Posted on
Monday 2 November 2026
Topics