BRISBANE, QLD – In a move to bolster workforce development across the state, the Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland (ACA Qld) has partnered with The Fraser Foundation to launch a new scholarship initiative targeting rural, regional, and remote educators.
The program will provide three (3) fully funded professional development grants for the upcoming 2026 ACA Qld National Conference, being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 - 28 June 2026.
Addressing the Professional Development Gap
The initiative addresses a long-standing challenge for the ECEC sector: the "tyranny of distance." For educators working in regional Queensland, the cost of travel and accommodation often exceeds the cost of conference registration itself, creating a significant barrier to accessing high-level training and networking.
"We recognize that educators in our rural and remote communities face unique challenges in accessing the same opportunities as those in metropolitan areas," a spokesperson for ACA Qld said. "These grants are a practical way to ensure that our regional voices are represented at the National Conference and that these educators can bring world-class insights back to their local services."
Comprehensive Support
Unlike traditional ticket-only giveaways, these grants provide a complete end-to-end package to ensure recipients face no out-of-pocket expenses. Each of the three successful applicants will receive:
- Full Conference Registration: Access to the three-day program of keynote speakers and workshops.
- Travel and Logistics: Fully funded return flights or transport to Brisbane.
- Accommodation: Lodging provided for the duration of the event.
Eligibility and Application
To ensure the support reaches those who need it most, the grants are strictly available to educators working in services classified under the ASGS Remoteness Classification as regional, remote, or very remote.
The Fraser Foundation will manage the selection process directly. To streamline the experience for winners, the Foundation will handle all administrative tasks, including travel bookings and formal registration through the standard conference channels.
How to Enter
Applications and nominations are now open. Educators and service providers are encouraged to apply or nominate a deserving "rising star" within their team via the Foundation's dedicated portal.
Apply or Nominate Here: The Fraser Foundation Scholarship Portal