The ICTC 2027 participation scholarships are designed to improve access and representation at the International Childhood Trauma Conference (1–6 August 2027) for two priority groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and individuals with lived and living experience of childhood trauma. The aim of provision of these scholarships is to elevate underrepresented voices, support culturally informed and lived experience–led learning, and strengthen community-driven responses to trauma.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, a clear commitment to trauma-informed practice or community wellbeing, and the ability to attend the full conference. Priority is given to those with strong community connections, including leaders, practitioners, individuals in community services, and those in remote or underserved areas.
The scholarships cover conference registration only, with recipients responsible for travel and accommodation costs. Successful applicants will be selected based on need, potential community impact, and alignment with conference themes, and are expected to actively participate in the conference, uphold cultural respect and safety, and share learnings with their communities to enable better outcomes for children, young people, and families.
By offering these scholarships, we aim to ensure inclusive participation, amplify diverse perspectives, and foster meaningful knowledge exchange in the field of childhood trauma.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Application
Lived & Living Experience Scholarship Application
Scholarships Terms and Conditions
International Childhood Trauma Conference 1–6 August 2027 participation scholarships
The below Terms and Conditions relate to:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ICTC 2027 participation scholarships offered by Australian Childhood Foundation
- People with lived and living experience of childhood trauma ICTC 2027 participation scholarships offered by Australian Childhood Foundation
1. Purpose
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation scholarships are established to support people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in attending the International Childhood Trauma Conference (ICTC) 2026, held from 1–6 August 2027.
The scholarships aim to:
- Improve access and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices
- Support culturally informed learning and knowledge exchange
- Strengthen community-led responses to childhood trauma
- The people with lived and living experience of childhood trauma participation scholarships are established to support people who have lived and living experience of childhood trauma in attending the International Childhood Trauma Conference (ICTC) 2026, held from 1–6 August 2027.
The scholarships aim to:
- Improve access and representation of the voices of people who have lived and living experience of childhood trauma
- Support lived and lived experience-informed learning and knowledge exchange
- Strengthen lived and lived experience-led responses to childhood trauma
2. Eligibility Criteria
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation scholarships applicants must:
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Demonstrate financial need or limited access to professional development opportunities
- Have a clear interest in trauma-informed practice, healing, or community wellbeing
- Be able to attend the conference for its full duration
Priority may be given to:
- Community leaders, Elders, or cultural practitioners
- Individuals working in health, education, social services, or community organisations
- Applicants from remote or underserved communities
- Early-career practitioners or students with strong community ties
- The people with lived and living experience of childhood trauma participation scholarships applicants must:
- Identify as a person with lived and living experience of childhood trauma (Please note: you do not need to describe the abuse and/or neglect you experienced)
- Demonstrate financial need or limited access to professional development opportunities
- Have a clear interest in trauma-informed practice, healing, or community wellbeing
- Be able to attend the conference for its full duration
Priority may be given to:
- Individuals working in health, education, social services, or community organisations
- Applicants from remote or underserved communities
- Early-career practitioners or students with strong community ties
3. Scholarship Coverage
The ICTC scholarship program covers the cost of Conference registration only. Scholarship recipients will need to fund all other cost including travel and accommodation if required.
4. Application Process
Applicants are required to:
- Complete the scholarship EOI application forms – The can be found via the below links:
- Provide supporting documentation where requested (e.g., brief CV, references, proof of community affiliation if appropriate)
- Submit applications by the stated deadline: 31 January 2027
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
5. Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel, which may include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives
- Selection is based on:
- Demonstrated need
- Community impact and leadership
- Alignment with conference themes
- Decisions are final and not subject to appeal
Successful applicants will be notified by 26 February 2027.
6. Cultural Respect and Safety
The ICTC scholarship programs grounded in respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and self-determination and the voices of those with lived and living experience of childhood trauma.
All recipients and participants are expected to:
- Respect cultural protocols and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups
- Engage in ways that are culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful
- Support a learning environment that values lived experience and community knowledge
7. Recipient Responsibilities
Recipients agree to:
- Attend all or most conference sessions where reasonably possible
- Participate respectfully and constructively
- Comply with the conference code of conduct
- Share learnings with their community or organisation where appropriate
- Provide feedback or a short reflection/report following the conference (if requested)
8. Withdrawal, Cancellation, and Substitution
- Recipients must notify organisers via ictc@arinexgroup.com as soon as possible if unable to attend
- The organisers reserve the right to reallocate the scholarship
- Scholarships may be withdrawn if:
- False or misleading information was provided
- The recipient fails to meet participation expectations
9. Use of Funds
Scholarship registrations must only be used by the successful applicants.
Misuse of scholarship registrations may result in:
- Repayment requirements
- Ineligibility for future opportunities
10. Privacy and Confidentiality
- Personal and cultural information will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality
- Information will only be used for program administration unless explicit consent is provided
- For more information about how we keep your data safe, please see our privacy policy
11. Publicity and Storytelling
Recipients may be invited (voluntarily) to:
- Share their experiences through stories, interviews, or testimonials
- Participate in conference communications highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices
Cultural protocols and consent will always be respected.
12. Liability
- Organisers are not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage during travel or attendance
- Recipients are encouraged to arrange appropriate insurance (travel, health, etc.)
13. Amendments
The conference organisers reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions. Applicants will be notified of any significant changes.
14. Complaints and Appeals
The ICTC 2027 scholarship program provides a fair and transparent process for complaints and appeals. Complaints about program administration or conduct must be submitted in writing to ictc@arinexgroup.com within 10 business days of applicants being notified of whether they have been successful. Complaints will be acknowledged and resolved within set timeframes. Appeals relate specifically to scholarship decisions and are only considered on limited grounds such as process errors or missing information; they must also be lodged within 10 business days of applicants being notified of whether they have been successful with supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed independently, with outcomes provided within 20 business days, and all appeal decisions are final. All matters are handled confidentially in accordance with privacy requirements.