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Applications open for the Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Apr-2026

The Walkley Foundation is inviting applications for the Sean Dorney Grant Program, offering $10,000 to support impactful reporting that brings Pacific Island perspectives to Australian audiences. The grant funds original public-interest journalism projects across all media formats, with a strong focus on under-reported Pacific issues.

About the Grant

The Sean Dorney Grant Program encourages deeper and more consistent reporting on the Pacific Islands region within Australian media.

The program aims to:

  • Increase reporting of Pacific issues in Australian media

  • Support journalists developing in-depth Pacific stories

  • Encourage first-time Pacific reporting initiatives

  • Amplify Pacific Island voices and perspectives

  • Strengthen exposure of public-interest journalism focused on the region

The grant prioritises under-reported topics that are significant to both Australia and Pacific nations.

Funding Details

  • Grant amount: $10,000

  • Number of projects funded: One or two

  • Payment structure: Instalments tied to project milestones

  • Eligible costs:

    • Travel

    • Accommodation

    • Research expenses

  • Ineligible costs:

    • Salaries

    • Organisational overheads

The funding is intended to directly support project-related expenses rather than employment costs.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

  • Freelancers

  • Staff reporters

  • Academics

  • Public intellectuals

  • Former journalists with a demonstrated media track record

Group applications of up to three people are permitted, with one designated as the primary contact.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be Australian citizens or permanent residents

  • Have working rights in Australia (including Australians residing overseas)

  • Apply only once per year

  • Secure a written commitment from a publisher or broadcaster confirming that:

    • The work will be published

    • It will be publicly accessible to an Australian audience

    • Walkley Public Fund branding will be applied

Preference is given to applicants living in the Pacific region.

Project Focus

Projects must:

  • Focus on one or more Pacific Island countries in:

    • Melanesia

    • Micronesia

    • Polynesia

  • Include New Zealand only if combined with another Pacific location

Successful applicants are expected to:

  • Collaborate with Pacific Island journalists or media organisations where possible

  • Adhere to the MEAA Code of Ethics

  • Provide appropriate attribution to Pacific-based contributors

  • Complete the project within the specified timeframe

Publication Requirements

  • Work must be published within 12 months of the grant award

  • Final publication deadline: No later than 30 June 2026

  • Grantees must report on budget expenditure

  • Participation in promotional activities related to the grant is required

Assessment Focus

Applications are evaluated on:

  • Public-interest value and impact

  • Strength of Pacific Island perspectives

  • Relevance to Australian audiences

  • Feasibility and clarity of the project plan

  • Evidence of publisher commitment

  • Potential for collaboration and ethical reporting

FAQs

1. How much funding is available?
Up to $10,000, awarded to one or two projects.

2. Who can apply?
Australian citizens or permanent residents with working rights in Australia, including freelancers and academics.

3. Can teams apply?
Yes, groups of up to three people may apply.

4. What expenses are covered?
Travel, accommodation, and research costs directly related to the project.

5. Are salaries covered?
No, the grant does not fund salaries or overheads.

6. Is a publisher commitment required?
Yes, a written commitment confirming publication and accessibility to Australian audiences is mandatory.

7. When must the project be published?
Within 12 months of the award and no later than 30 June 2026.

Conclusion

The Sean Dorney Grant Program provides vital support for journalists seeking to elevate Pacific Island perspectives within Australian media. By funding original, public-interest reporting and encouraging cross-regional collaboration, the program strengthens informed dialogue and amplifies voices from across the Pacific region.

For more information, visit The Walkley Foundation.