Introducing the Sved Williams Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

Thanks to the support of A/Prof Anne Sved Williams AM and Dr Tony Williams, the RANZCP Foundation is pleased to open applications for the Sved Williams Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perinatal and Infant Mental Health.

This exciting new scholarship aims to assist the achievement of better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and their children in the first 1000 days of their children’s lives; expand current knowledge, and build capacity in  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perinatal and infant psychiatry.

Anne, a long-standing RANZCP Fellow, and Tony, a surgeon, trace their motivations for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health to visits of outback communities on a camping trip to the Kimberley about twenty years ago, where they observed the difficult circumstances of Indigenous communities. Their decision to focus on the first 1000 days of children’s’ lives draws upon Anne’s experience and career as a perinatal and infant psychiatrist, where she has observed first-hand the importance of early intervention in mental health.

In creating this scholarship, Anne and Tony are eager to increase access to culturally appropriate health services provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians who understand the culture and needs of community members. Anne and Tony aspire to contribute to efforts that will help increase the number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical specialists, and are delighted to create opportunities such as this one in perinatal and infant psychiatry.

The RANZCP Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Anne and Tony for their generous donation towards improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.

Applications are now open until 24 June 2022.

Find out more and how to apply on the RANZCP Foundation website today.