ESF Scholarships

Make a difference to the emergency services in Victoria

The aim of the ESF scholarship program is to provide an opportunity for both paid staff and volunteer members of the Victorian Emergency Services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. It provides successful applicants with a valuable opportunity for self-enrichment and career advancement through the pursuit of knowledge and experience in an area they are passionate about.

ESF scholarships are not for completion of tertiary or other qualifications.

ESF has granted scholarships since 1988 to provide recipients with funds to cover the expense of travel to advance their knowledge and expertise.  Scholarship recipients become ESF Alumni and are encouraged to maintain their association with the ESF and support its work.

Due to travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic no scholarships were awarded in 2020 or 2021. 

In the past, topics of research have been varied. In line with ESFs new strategic direction, priority will be given to applications that address evidence and knowledge gaps in relation to mental health and wellbeing.

2024 ESF Scholarships supported by Rotary

The Emergency Services Foundation has entered a partnership with Rotary to support the longstanding ESF scholarship program.

This partnership with Rotary builds on strong collaboration between the two organisations at the local level, through Tony’s Trek early in 2024, and the new Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards. The partnership will help fund two additional scholarships in 2024. 

Applications for 2024 are now being assessed.

We expect to announce successful applicants before the end of the year.

FAQs

No, scholarships are not to be used for the completion of tertiary or any other qualifications

Scholarship funds are to be used for economy class air travel, travel insurance, accommodation and meal allowances.

Any paid or volunteer member from ESFs member agencies may apply which includes individuals [paid and volunteer] from its member agencies including:  Ambulance VIC, CFA, DELWP, EMV, FRV, St John Ambulance Vic, Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministry, Lifesaving Vic, Red Cross, Vic Coast Guard, VICSES, VicPol, IGEM, ESTA, Bushfire Recovery Victoria and Wildlife Victoria.

No. You just need to complete the application form.

You can apply now using the online form with applications closing at midnight on 24 November 2023.

Scholarships are calculated once applications have been received and the budget provided reviewed. You should plan for a period of up to two weeks away.

A report of the study must be submitted not later than eight weeks after the study component is complete. In the past scholarship recipients have found it helpful to allocate time on their return to do the report while it is fresh in their mind.

Yes, you can apply with someone else but be mindful that this may add significantly to travel costs and available funds are limited.

No late applications will be considered.

Yes, if additional funding is required to meet the study objectives. Please be sure to detail existing funding in your application.

Advice ESF has received is that the payment will be assessable as ordinary income. It is suggested that recipients seek their own advice in this regard.

Short listed applicants will be invited for an interview in December 2023. All applicants will be notified by the end of December.

The interview panel is yet to be determined but will likely include an ESF scholarship alumni, a senior Learning & Development Manager from an emergency service agency, a Learning Network representative, an ESF Board or ESF Mental Health Advisory Group (MHAG) member and the ESF CEO.

Each scholarship recipient must complete a written report including a 250 word executive summary. The report is to be formatted according to predetermined agreed headings and a briefing will be provided in advance of your travel. Refer to previous reports at www.esf.com.au  In addition, you will be expected to present the findings of your study to the sector. This may include at the Emergency Management Conference or through a webinar and social media.

ESF will provide guidance on report writing and presentation skills and always be available to answer questions and offer advice..

2023 ESF Scholarship Awardees

Peter Romanis was awarded the Scholarship in the first round of 2023.  Peter undertook a study on compassion fatigue, the findings of which can be found here.

“I’m heartened by the positive reception my report on Compassion Fatigue. It’s gratifying to see the meaningful discussions it has sparked. I am actively engaged in further dialogues to explore how we can translate the recommendations into tangible, improved practices. These ongoing conversations are crucial for fostering positive outcomes, ensuring that our dedicated emergency service professionals and volunteers received the support and resources they need to thrive in their demanding roles.”

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2019 ESF Scholarship Awardees

ESF Scholarship Showcase

The 2019 ESF scholarships awardees showcased their study findings and recommendations as part of the 2020 Emergency Management Conference.

Moving into a state-wide police wellbeing role, Greg Dean gained a helicopter view of the organisation that he was not ready to accept. He knew that more needed to be done. But how best to tailor early intervention services for police and emergency services?

Register. Find. Unite is a system used by the Red Cross during crises and disasters. Ti Hokins asked us to think about the people behind the system taking those calls. How do we best look after their wellbeing?

When a Frenchman he had never met reached out to VicSES volunteer Marcus Warner, wanting to discuss a wilderness he had witnessed in Bright, Marcus wondered, what happens to the witnesses? Should we be helping them too?

A mindfulness practitioner himself, FRV’s Dennis Smith started thinking, ‘What if our emergency management leaders could benefit from reduced stress and anxiety and improved cognitive performance that mindfulness brings, in literally a few minutes?’