The Bullwinkel Scholars Program
End of Financial Year Appeal 2025

Make a tax deductible donation in 2025 to The Bullwinkel Scholars Program

Consider making a tax-deductible donation this year to support the Bullwinkel Scholars Program, honouring the 21 Australian nurses massacred on Bangka Island during the Second World War. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel — the sole survivor — these nurses made the ultimate sacrifice, and this scholarship program ensures their legacy lives on. Managed by the ACN Foundation, the scholarships will launch in September 2025 and provide vital leadership training to nurses, ensuring their voices are heard in key healthcare decision-making spaces.

Your support helps commemorate the bravery and leadership of these nurses while investing in the development of future nursing leaders.

Donations can be made by individuals or organisations, and a gift receipt will be emailed upon contribution. For more information or queries, please contact the Australian College of Nursing Foundation on 1800 061 660 or email info@acnfoundation.org.au.

Image: Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel Statue located at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra

About Bullwinkel Scholars Program

The Bullwinkel Scholars program was created to honour the memory of 21 Australian nurses who died at the Bangka Island massacre on the 16th of February 1942 and Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, AO, MBE, ARRC, ED, FNM, FRCNA, the sole survivor of this tragic event. This funding will be in perpetuity to keep their legacy alive in the years to come and will equip nurses with the leadership skills required to ensure the nursing voice is represented at the at every table where healthcare decisions are being made. To view our 2025 Bullwinkel Scholars, click here.

Vivian advocated for better education and conditions for nurses, established and raised funds for the Australian Nurses’ Memorial, and later held the role of President of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, which is now the Australian College of Nursing. The Australian College of Nursing Foundation wishes to continue Vivian’s legacy by providing Scholarships to inspire the younger generations of nurses in Australia who are as passionate and committed as Vivian and her nursing colleagues who served and died for their country.

Image: Bullwinkel Scholar recipients 2024 (left) and 2025 (right)

Founding partners

Thank you to all donors to The Bullwinkel Project – every donation contributes to ensuring it’s success. Leadership donations include:

• Ro Hogan in memory of her parents and grandparents
• The David and Jennie Sutherland Foundation

Your donation is vital for these scholarships to continue

Donations can be made electronically, and a tax-deductible receipt will be emailed to you.

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