When Emmily Westbury decided to take up an aged care individual support course in Year 11 she was still unsure of her career aspirations.
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That decision would shape her future career.
A career that not only had similarities to legendary Benalla nurse Diana Chomley, but would also be greatly influenced by her.
In 2025 Emmily would be named the first recipient of the prestigious Diana Chomley Scholarship.
That honour did not happen by accident, and Emmily’s road to it started many years earlier.
“Once I started the aged care course when I was still in school, I actually really enjoyed it,” she said.
“Then I got a job here (at Cooinda), and I loved it.”
That job was working as a personal care assistant, which she did for three years.
While she really enjoyed that role, she had ambitions to learn more and do more.
“So I started a Diploma of Nursing at GOTAFE,” she said.
“And I continued to work here as a PCA while I was studying.
“In January 2025 I became medication-endorsed, and I finished my Diploma of Nursing in December.
“Now I have just transitioned into working here as an enrolled nurse.”
With no desire to slow down, Emmily has also recently embarked on a Bachelor of Nursing.
“I do that online, which is a little bit flexible and can be done around my work.”
Emmily said having practical experience working at Cooinda had helped in her studies.
“I recommend anyone who is studying nursing, if they are able to, to get a job in the aged care setting,” she said.
“It makes the world of a difference. You can piece things together. Even being in class, I was able to understand more things than other people that hadn't been in an aged care setting before.”
While Emmily’s journey from Benalla P-12 College to uni student working as an enrolled nurse has required hard work and dedication, the assistance she’s had through the Diana Chomley Scholarship made a real difference.
“I heard about the scholarship last year, when it was first announced,” she said.
Emmily said when she applied, she was quietly confident, but it was still a pleasant surprise when she found out she would be the first recipient of the scholarship.
“It has been really beneficial,” she said.
“It opened up so many opportunities for me. It helped pay for the course that I had just done, which then meant I was able to continue on with my studies straight away without having to have that time off in between to save up more money, to pay for more things and another course and more books.
“It’s helped me get through that last little bit of studying. It’s helped with all the payments I had to make. It was definitely a big help, and really great support.
“It inspired me to keep going.
“And with Diana (Chomley) being a nurse herself, and really wanting to help people to study, wanting to honour her gave me the inspiration to keep studying.”
While Emmily never had an opportunity to meet Diana, she works with plenty of people who knew her well.
“I’ve heard so much about her from them, and also from Angus (Howell, Diana’s husband).”
It was Angus who established the scholarship fund in Diana’s name in 2024, with the aim of supporting the education and professional development of Cooinda's nursing and care staff, while fostering excellence in care for generations to come.
Diana began her journey as a registered nurse in the UK in 1966, before emigrating to Australia.
It was here that her expertise and unwavering commitment left a lasting mark across numerous health services.
Her distinguished career included roles at Royal North Shore Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Seymour Hospital, where she served for 16 years as a senior registered nurse.
Diana also contributed as a district nursing diabetic educator and clinical tutor at RMIT, mentoring future healthcare professionals.
In 1997, she transitioned into community health at Benalla Health, continuing her advocacy for those in need with exceptional skill and empathy.
Later in life, Diana became a cherished member of the Cooinda community, maintaining her passion for education and care by supporting staff and students undertaking placements.
Her care for and genuine friendships with residents made her a legend in the corridors of Cooinda.
Those character traits are ones Emmily also takes to work every day.
“I love seeing the residents,” she said.
“They're so appreciative of your care, and they make you feel wanted.
“Just seeing the smile on their faces and being able to brighten their day, even if it is just for five minutes. It means the world to them.
“And it makes it worthwhile coming to work when you can help them, make them smile and make their day.”
Emmily said she wanted to thank Angus and everyone at Cooinda.
“They've been very supportive throughout all my studying, allowing me to take time off, and go to placements, which obviously is a big part of studying in nursing,” she said.
“You do require a lot of time away from work, but Cooinda have been amazing with that.
“I also want to thank my family for supporting me through the whole thing and continuing to keep supporting me as I decide to keep studying.
“They’ve been very supportive, and I couldn't have done it without them.”
Applications for the 2026 Diana Chomley Scholarship are currently open.
If you would like to contribute to the Diana Chomley Scholarship and support the education of nursing and care staff at Cooinda, visit cooinda.org.au/donate or call 5761 3300.