Heidi and Emmy Draper among 16 students graduating from Mater Education’s fee-free, Diploma of Nursing

Nineteen-year-old twins and a former construction worker are among 16 students graduating this week from Mater Education’s fee-free, 18-month Diploma of Nursing program.

Twins Emmy and Heidi Draper graduated from Mater's nursing program.

Nineteen-year-old twins Heidi and Emmy Draper are among 16 students graduating this week from Mater Education’s fee-free, 18-month Diploma of Nursing program in Townsville.

The twins, who enrolled in the course straight after high school, are eager to embark on their nursing careers.

“I wanted to make sure that I really liked nursing before enrolling in a nursing degree, and the fee-free Diploma was the best way to get hands-on experience,” Heidi said.

She highlighted the numerous opportunities and career pathways that nursing offers.

Emmy shared her lifelong ambition: “I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was 10 because I really like helping people and I want to work in aged care.”

Twins Emmy and Heidi Draper graduated from Mater's nursing program.

Both sisters plan to work as enrolled nurses for the remainder of the year before commencing a nursing degree in 2026.

Opting for a career change after 18 years in the construction industry, 35-year-old Ryan Bates said he is fulfilling his lifelong dream to be a nurse.

“I have been in construction since I was 18 but I have always been interested in nursing. I have family members who are nurses, and they’ve told me how rewarding it is,” he said.

“Mater’s Education’s Diploma of Nursing has been a life changing experience and given me the opportunity to change careers without having to pay $25,000 course tuition.

“Working on a ward is a lot different from being on a construction site, but I love making a difference to patients’ lives.”

Ryan Bates has graduated from Mater's 18-month nursing program.

Mr Bates has secured a graduate position as an Enrolled Nurse in the surgical ward at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, starting in August.

Mater Education became an approved provider of the fee-free course in 2023, with 100 students have enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing in Townsville.

Director of Education and Training Toni-Maree Henaway is encouraging more locals will seize the opportunity for fee-free study.

“Queensland urgently needs to expand its nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of our community now and into the future,” she said.

Applications are now open for the January 2026 course.

To find out more, contact Mater Education student engagement at 1300 070 350 or go to matereducation.qld.edu.au.

Originally published as Heidi and Emmy Draper among 16 students graduating from Mater Education’s fee-free, Diploma of Nursing