Jingi Walla!
HEY THERE, CREATIVE SOUL!
This scholarship is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives aged 18+.
Whether you're into poetry, fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, criticism, or any other form of literary expression, we'd love to hear from you!
There are 4 ways you can apply:
1. **Written Application**
Send us a sample of your work (up to 1000 words) and a quick note about why you'd like to join.
2. **Audio Submission**
Record a 3–5 minute clip of you introducing yourself and sharing why this opportunity is important to you. Feel free to include a short reading of your work if you'd like.
3. **Video Submission**
Same as the audio, but with video! Introduce yourself, tell us why you want to join, and optionally share a snippet of your creative work.
4. **Phone Interview**
If you're more of a verbal storyteller, we can arrange a short phone chat.
To submit your application, just email us!
Can't wait to hear from you!
APPLY NOWKey Dates & Who It's For
Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and storytellers of all levels of experience, education and literacy who are passionate and committed to bringing their stories to life in a supportive, creative environment
- Scholarship Value: Over $15,588 ($3897 pp)
- Intakes:
- 2 placements for March 2025
- 2 placements for September 2025
APPLY NOWApplications for the March intake close Sunday, 18 February 2025.
THE FIRST NATIONS SCHOLARSHIP IS DESIGNED TO:
- Elevate and provide opportunities for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers to access resources, education, and support that may not otherwise be available to them.
- Empower First Nations voices to rise and share their writing and stories with the world.
- Recognise First Nations peoples as the original storytellers and help keep cultural stories alive.
- Provide practical coaching to explore pathways for selling their works and raising their profile as writers and entrepreneurs.
KEY DATES
INTAKE 1 - MARCH 2025
INTAKE 2 - SEPTEMBER 2025
What To Expect
Over 90 days, you'll:
- Be immersed in The Book Doula Program, receiving personalised guidance and support from Vanessa Barrington to help you grow as a writer and/or creative entrepreneur.
- Join a beautiful, supportive community of soul-aligned creatives who will inspire and encourage your journey.
- Access an information hub filled with resources to develop your writing, storytelling, and entrepreneurial skills.
- Have the opportunity to explore storytelling as a powerful tool for truth-telling, healing and connection
- Unlock confidence and creative potential
- Share your stories
- Explore new pathways to success in the creative arts, writing and entrepreneurship in a way that feels aligned and authentic to you.
I'M VANESSA, THE BOOK DOULA.
Throughout my life, I have had very special, close, nurturing and life-changing friendships with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
I have seen firsthand the discrimination, fear, trauma and significant barriers that my First Nations brothers and sisters have faced that prevent them from speaking out, and sharing their own lived experiences and stories.
In my humble view, these barriers are complex, far reaching and result in lived experiences remaining untold - sometimes even within the communities they come from.
This prevents ancestral stories and cultural knowledge from being kept alive. Sometimes, it also prevents healing.
I don't claim to be able to solve these issues. In fact, as a colonised white woman, I'm the LAST person to speak on these topics.
Instead, I see this as an opportunity to offer my skills in humble allyship, to support, empower, and encourage the original storytellers of this land to raise their voice and share their truth.
I believe all Australians have a duty to support truth-telling and work toward a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are honoured, valued, and celebrated.