National ABC scholarship to support emerging voices in the disability community

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson today announced her support for the ABC Regional Storyteller scholarship.

As part of the celebrations for International Day of People with Disability, the Australian Government is providing $60,000 in funding over two years to support the scholarship.

“The aim is to champion emerging content makers in the disability community from outside our capital cities,” Ms Henderson said.

“Applications are now open and people with lived experience of disability, living in regional Australia, with innovative content ideas are encouraged to apply.

“The scholarship winner will get to spend three months working with various ABC teams, to develop their skills and produce content.

“We all have a role to play to ensure people with disability have the same opportunities as others to reach their full potential,” Ms Henderson said.

Last year’s winner, Eliza Hull from Castlemaine in Victoria, has been working with the ABC in Bendigo since receiving her scholarship. Eliza has produced an eight-part radio series on ABC Radio National, Life Matters, as well as writing a series of online articles for ABC Life.

Acting Director of ABC Regional and Local, Judith Whelan said the corporation was delighted with this additional scholarship that will give two regional storytellers the opportunity to work with the ABC.

“Eliza Hull was our inaugural scholarship winner and has gone on to produce compelling stories from regional Australia that have found a national audience.

“Without the support of the scholarship these stories would not have been told,” Judith Whelan said.

International Day of People with Disability aims to raise awareness of and acknowledge the contribution and achievements of 4.3 million Australians with disability.

“Celebrating International Day of People with Disability is a collaborative effort between the Australian Government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses and individuals who host a range of events to help break down barriers and celebrate an inclusive society for all.

“To date, there are almost 600 events being held around the country which have been registered through the International Day website. These are events where people are joining together in schools, workplaces and community venues,” Ms Henderson said.

Applications are now open. Applicants can email their applications to storytellerscholarship@abc.net.au or contribute offline by posting their applications to Regional Storyteller Scholarship applications, ABC Ultimo PO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001.

For more information visit abc.net.au/careers

Information about International Day of People with Disability is available at www.idpwd.com.au.