Sharon Lockyer awarded 2025 Healthway Aboriginal Research Training Scholarship

Congratulations to our own Pilbara-based Aboriginal Health Practitioner Sharon Lockyer, who’s been awarded a prestigious scholarship to undertake a Diploma in Indigenous Research.

A proud Nyul Nyul woman from Beagle Bay, Sharon is the recipient of the 2025 Healthway Aboriginal Research Training Scholarship, awarded to individuals who are driving Aboriginal health promotion research across WA.

The scholarship aims to support the development of innovative health promotion solutions for WA communities by empowering local expertise and growing the next generation of Aboriginal health researchers.

Sharon has dedicated 15 years to improving Aboriginal health outcomes across WA and is WA Country Health Service’s first Aboriginal Health Practitioner in the Pilbara.

She provides comprehensive, culturally safe care, including immunisations, health assessments and chronic disease management, while also leading outreach to remote areas.

Sharon’s innovative and holistic approach to Aboriginal community care has improved access to holistic family health services, and she plays a pivotal role in the early detection of rheumatic heart disease through novel echocardiography screening as part of the RHD NEARER SCAN project.

In 2026, Sharon will be taking on an exciting new pilot position as our first Aboriginal Research Translation Officer based in the Pilbara.

She will continue living and working in the Pilbara as she completes her diploma online at Charles Darwin University, building skills for future Aboriginal health research and translation.

The Healthway Fellowship and Scholarship program will open again in March 2026.