News

Cooinda celebrates education and care through Diana Chomley scholarship

By Benalla Ensign

Jan 26, 2026

Cooinda volunteer Angus Howell with his wife, and former Benalla Health nurse, the late Diana Chomley.

Cooinda aged care has honoured the remarkable legacy of local nurse, Diana Chomley, by supporting a scholarship in her name.

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To ensure her dedication lives on, Diana's husband, Angus, established the Diana Chomley Scholarship Fund in 2024.

This annual scholarship supports the education and professional development of Cooinda's nursing and care staff, fostering excellence in care for generations to come.

Diana was a dedicated nurse and counsellor whose career spanned decades of service, compassion and advocacy.

Beginning her journey as a registered nurse in the UK in 1966, Diana later immigrated to Australia, where 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.

The 2025 scholarship recipient, Emmily Westbury, joined Cooinda as a personal care assistant in 2022.

With the scholarship's support, Emily completed her Diploma of Nursing in December 2025 and is now AHPRA registered as an enrolled nurse.

She will commence a new role at Cooinda later this month and plans to continue her studies toward a Bachelor of Nursing, to become a Registered Nurse.

Applications for the 2026 Diana Chomley Scholarship will open soon, following a committee meeting on January 29.

The committee includes members of Diana's family, Cooinda's nursing team, and senior staff, ensuring the scholarship continues to reflect Diana's values of compassion, learning and excellence.

If you would like to contribute to the Diana Chomley Scholarship and support the education of nursing and care staff at Cooinda, visit www.cooinda.org.au/donate or call 5761 3300.