September 17, 2026
Eight South Burnett women have been selected as the first recipients of HerKind Perinatal Mental Health Scholarships.
The scholarships will support the woman to undertake specialised education in perinatal mental health, building skills and knowledge that can strengthen support for women, babies and families in the South Burnett and Cherbourg.
They have been made possible through a $10,000 contribution from The HerKind Project to the Red Earth Rural Health Pathways Fund.
The recipients are Jessica Eagleson, Melanie McNaughton, Esther Farmilo, Jenna Casamento, Kaylene Matthews, Ashleigh Ann Ansell, Kaye Smith and April Hatt.
Their practice settings include Kingaroy Hospital, CRAICCHS, the Kingaroy Medicare Mental Health Centre, Eva’s Place and local counselling services.
Red Earth Community Foundation chair Georgie Somerset said the partnership demonstrated how community philanthropy could create practical and lasting local value.
“One of the most enduring investments we can make in rural communities is in the people who live, work and care for others here,” Mrs Somerset said.
“These scholarships are not simply funding eight people to complete a course. They are building knowledge and capability that can be carried back into hospitals, health services, community organisations and families across our region.
“That is what community-led philanthropy can do — connect generosity with local people to create practical solutions that strengthen communities over time.”
The HerKind Project is a not-for-profit organisation based in Kingaroy which supports women, mothers and families in the South Burnett and Cherbourg regions.
Founder and president Caylen Tunstall said it was incredibly rewarding to see the vision of The HerKind Project rippling across the region.
“Having access to the right support close to home during such an important stage of life can make all the difference for families, and it gives us great comfort to know that more health professionals will have the knowledge and skills to provide that support when it is needed most,” she said.
