A NATIONAL program that offers Australians inspiring opportunities to travel overseas and investigate a topic they are passionate about is running an information session in Mount Gambier next week.
Every year, more than 100 Churchill Fellowships are presented to Australians who want to challenge the status quo and have a positive impact on their communities.
“While anyone can apply for this prestigious yet accessible award, this year we are stepping up our efforts to encourage more applications from rural and regional Australia,” Churchill Trust chief executive Adam Davey said.
“As part of this focus, we are running an expanded program of information sessions in 24 regional centres, including Mount Gambier.
“We hope people who live and work in the area will take advantage of this timely opportunity to learn more first-hand about Churchill Fellowships and how to put together a successful application.”
Churchill Fellowships enable recipients to travel independently overseas for four to eight weeks so they can meet and work with leaders in their field, to gain knowledge and experience that will enable them to bring their ideas to life.
No prescribed qualifications are required in order to apply and the scope of topics that can be proposed is limitless, provided a wider benefit to their industry or community and Australia is evident and a willingness to share the knowledge gained is demonstrated.
Last year 112 Churchill Fellowships were awarded with a combined value of over $3.1m, including sponsored awards specifically related to agriculture, education, health, the environment and the arts.
This year, the Churchill Trust is also offering sponsored fellowships for aspiring indigenous applicants, in partnership with Community Sector Banking and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.
The information session will be held on Tuesday at The Lakes Resort from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Guest speakers include Port MacDonnell musician Adam Hardcastle, who travelled to the United Kingdom last year to learn how music-oriented regional festivals can be authentic, inclusive and sustainable.
International Agriculture director Sean Miller, who received the Jack Green Churchill Fellowship in 2010, which enabled him to visit Canada and the US to identify opportunities to support Australian cattle exports to cold climates.
CFA representative Peter Elder, a long-standing committee member, who travelled to the United States, in 1986 to examine the production and marketing of training programs for small business executives and secondary and tertiary students will also be in attendance.
Visit www.churchilltrust.com.au/events to register your interest.
