Value of the bursary

Each bursary will be jointly funded by FRDC ($700), ASFB ($700) for a total amount of $1,400. Awarded funds must be used towards the cost of airfares, accommodation, and conference registration. The remaining costs of travel will need to be funded by the applicant’s employer in support of career development.

Closing date for applications

• Application closing date Friday 23 May 2025

• The successful applicants will be notified by Monday, 16 June, with a formal announcement placed on the Fisheries Management Committee page.

Conditions

The bursaries are open to fisheries managers/fisheries policy officers/sea country managers who are current financial members of ASFB at the time of the award presentation and are employed by a recognised Australian or New Zealand fisheries management agency or Indigenous organisation, corporation, or council.

• Applicants must provide written proof of employer support. This could be in the form of an email stating attendance to the conference is supported and how the organisation will contribute financially to the trip. For example, support could be in the form of the employee making a travel allowance claim of the employer for accommodation and meals.

• If you are applying for the experienced fisheries manager/fisheries policy officer/sea country manager bursary you will need to provide evidence that you are intending to present at the 2025 ASFB Conference. This could be in your EOI submission or confirmation of presenting.

• The bursaries will be paid through reimbursement of costs to recipients or employers. Recipients should email proof of expenditure to the ASFB Treasurer requesting reimbursement or transfer of funds to an account.

If the employer has covered the costs, then it is expected that the employer will provide an invoice for the $1,400. If the bursary recipient covered most of the costs out of their own pocket, excluding what was directly claimed through the employer, then the ASFB can pay the bursary amount directly to the awardee’s personal account.

• After the conference each bursary recipient is required to provide a 200-300 word piece on their experience at the ASFB conference for the next ASFB newsletter, and a short presentation to the Fisheries Management Committee (FMC) or wider ASFB Society.

Process for application

• All applications must be submitted using the application form.

• Evidence of your employer’s support for your attendance to the conference, or evidence that you are presenting at the conference can be attached to the email upon submission.

• No more than 200 words for the summary of your experience in fisheries or sea country management.

• No more than 200 words to outline clearly and concisely why you would benefit from attending this conference.

• Applications must be submitted to asfb@asnevents.net.au by Friday, 23 May 2025.

Selection process

• The Fisheries Management Committee (FMC) Executive will assess all applications and provide a shortlist for the selection panel to consider.

• Preference will be given to those residing in regional or remote areas or travelling interstate for the conference.

• The selection panel will consist of at least one member of the FMC Executive, and at least one member of the ASFB Executive Council.

• The selection panel will rank the potential recipients, so if a successful applicant is unable to accept the bursary, it will be offered to the next eligible person.

• If a successful applicant is unable to attend, they must notify the FMC Executive as soon as practicable so the bursary can be offered to the next eligible person.

• The FMC Executive will notify all applicants of the outcome by 16 June 2025.