At Mildura Base Public Hospital (MBPH), Bianca Wilkens and Rhianna Duncan‑Batchelor exemplify the power of growing and training our own. Both studied with La Trobe University while living and working in Mildura, balancing study, work and family as they build meaningful careers in their home town. When they cross the stage at the Mildura Arts Centre on graduation day in late March, their stories will stand as powerful reminders of why local education pathways are vital to sustaining a skilled, committed regional health workforce.
For Bianca Wilkens, studying locally wasn’t just a preference - it was what made university possible.
“I had my family here, my support network here. Moving away just wasn’t an option,” Bianca says. “Having La Trobe in Mildura made university achievable for me.”
Now 32, Bianca has lived in Mildura since she was seven. A mum of three, she balanced family life, work in aged care, and study - a juggling act familiar to many regional students. After leaving school at the end of Year 11, Bianca took a non‑traditional pathway into nursing, starting with a Certificate III in Individual Support and later completing La Trobe’s Tertiary Preparation Program before enrolling in her Bachelor of Nursing.
“Studying at La Trobe has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she says. “As a mature‑aged student, I felt supported the whole way through. The flexibility and understanding from staff made such a difference.”
All of Bianca’s placements were completed locally at MBPH - something she sees as invaluable preparation for the workforce.
“Completing placements locally helps you build relationships and connections before you even graduate,” she says. “On every placement, someone would ask if I planned to stay in the area - that really shows how much the hospital values students who train here.”
This year Bianca has begun her graduate year in mental health nursing at MBPH - exactly where she hoped to be.
“It feels amazing knowing I get to stay at my grassroots and now give back to the community that supported me through my study and life.”
For Rhianna Duncan‑Batchelor, midwifery wasn’t a childhood dream - but it quickly became a passion.
“When I finished school, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” she says. “I fell into this career and I’m incredibly lucky that I did.”
A graduate of Coomealla High School and a qualified nurse and midwife, Rhianna has just completed a Master of Midwifery Practice, with an Advanced Clinical specialisation.
“I pursued the Master of Midwifery Practice as I genuinely find it so satisfying to set myself a challenge of learning. I enjoy organisation, studying and the reward of finishing something I once saw as impossible. The course was the ideal combination to challenge my clinical skills, support my love for teaching others and all with the focus of a career I love. Now I am considering options such as completing a PhD, lecturing, doing further study in a Master of Midwifery Management.”
Rhianna was able to study the course online with La Trobe University while living and working in Mildura. She works as the Midwifery Educator at MBPH, supporting staff, students and the next generation of midwives.
“Mildura is a really unique place to practice midwifery,” Rhianna explains. “We see around 800 births a year - busy enough to maintain a broad range clinical skills, but small enough that we can support women across their entire maternity journey.”
“As midwives here, we might work in childbirth education, antenatal care, birthing, postnatal, special care nursery and community midwifery - sometimes all in the same week.”
Rhianna is passionate about challenging misconceptions about midwifery.
“People think we cuddle babies all day and while that’s a nice part of the job, midwifery involves complex clinical skills, emergency response, education and emotional support,” she says. “It can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Both Bianca and Rhianna credit having the opportunity to study whilst living in their home town as a key factor in their success.
Even while studying online, Rhianna found the physical campus beneficial.
“Having the campus nearby made such a difference when I needed support,” she says. “Being able to talk to someone face‑to‑face helped resolve things quickly.”
For Bianca, the sense of belonging mattered just as much.
“It really felt like being part of a community,” she says. “I made lifelong friendships, especially with other mature‑aged students juggling similar commitments.”
“All of my placements were at MBPH, and now I’m working here,” Bianca says. “That continuity builds confidence and loyalty.”
As health services across Australia grapple with workforce shortages, stories like Bianca’s and Rhianna’s reinforce the importance of accessible regional education pathways.
“Growing up on a farm and in a regional town, it sometimes felt as though my path was already set — that I would be a battler and struggle to make it through tertiary study. There was an expectation that those who leave never return, and those who stay see their careers stall. But that narrative isn’t true. You can build a strong, meaningful career right here,” Rhianna said.
Bianca agrees.
“There’s always a way to get where you want to be,” she says. “Studying locally opened doors I never thought possible.”
Now, both women are not only contributing to patient care at MBPH - they’re shaping the future workforce, whether through mentorship, education or simply showing what’s possible.
“I hope one day other graduates look at my journey and feel encouraged,” Bianca says. “Mental health nursing needs passionate people and regional communities deserve them.”
Dr Sandy Connor, Head of Campus at La Trobe Mildura said local study options play a critical role in strengthening both individual outcomes and community resilience.
“Bianca and Rhianna’s stories show exactly why La Trobe is committed to place‑based education. When people can study where they live, with the right support around them, they don’t just succeed at university - they strengthen the communities they call home.”
This article was originally published for the Mildura Base Pubic Hospital Foundation Heartbeat magazine.
