Photo: (back, l-r): Dr Isabella Hawke (ANU), Nerida Cullen OAM, Margaret Cameron, Stan Moore, Chair Goulburn Branch (NSW Farmers Association), (front, l-r):Chloe Bakker winner of the 2025 NSW Farmers scholarship with runner up Emily Vohralik

For Chloe Bakker, stepping outside her comfort zone has always come naturally. That spirit of curiosity is what led her to spend her third year of medical study in Goulburn through the ANU Rural Clinical School — a decision that turned out to be as rewarding as it was eye-opening.

“I’ve met so many people from diverse backgrounds, and what’s stood out most is the strong sense of community among healthcare workers, and between patients and doctors,” Chloe said. “It’s something that's hard to find in bigger cities.”

One memorable moment came while house-sitting on the outskirts of Goulburn. It wasn’t a medical case that left an impression that day, it was a piglet. The encounter, became the centre piece of Chloe’s winning submission for the NSW Farmers Goulburn Branch Scholarship.

Each year, the branch awards a scholarship to a medical student who best captures their rural experience in both words and photo. Chloe’s heartfelt reflection, which highlighted the richness of rural life and the rewarding nature of rural medicine, struck a chord with the judges.

Her story spoke to the unique variety and fulfillment that comes with working in a rural setting. “Patients here are really involved in their care. They’re listened to, especially during the discharge process. That patient-centred approach is something I value deeply, and I hope to work in a hospital that shares Goulburn’s culture of collaboration and respect.”

Runner-up Emily Vohralik also shared her enthusiasm for rural medicine. “After seeing how much long-term local doctors contribute to a town, especially in providing continuity of care, I can definitely picture myself building a meaningful career as a rural GP or hospital physician.”

Dr Isabella Hawke, Academic Coordinator and Senior Lecturer at the ANU Rural Clinical School, praised the NSW Farmers Goulburn Branch for their ongoing commitment. “Their support has made a real difference in our students' lives over the years,” she said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity that continues to inspire and empower future rural doctors.”

From piglets to patient care, Chloe’s rural journey has been anything but ordinary and it’s only just beginning.

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The photo that captured Chloe's experience as a city girl in a rural community.