Ben Bodna Award
Overview
VCOSS is proud to announce that nominations for the annual Ben Bodna Award are open for 2012 for individuals seeking to advance knowledge and practice in the fields of social justice, community, disability or bio-ethics.
The Ben Bodna Award has been established in the memory of Victoria’s first Public Advocate Ben Bodna. It will provide grants of up to $10,000 a year for individuals to advance knowledge and practice in the fields of social justice, community, disability or bio-ethicsThis annual Award is made in the memory of Ben Bodna (1935 – 2008), a passionate supporter of the rights of people who were disadvantaged.
Through his work as a Probation Officer, Superintendent of a Youth Training Centre, head of the State Welfare Department, Victoria’s first Public Advocate, and supporter of many community organisations, Ben’s commitment to addressing issues of disadvantage never wavered. He believed in the capacity of well supported communities to redress issues of social exclusion. He championed a wide range of causes relating to his interests in community and disadvantage. Among his many community involvements, he was President of UNICEF Australia; a member of the Refugee Review Tribunal; joint Chair of the People Together Project; a Community Visitor at Kew Cottages; President of the Victorian Brain Injury Recovery Association; and Chairperson of Foundation Boroondara. Applications are to be submitted electronically by 31 May 2012 to Claire Bauska at the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) – E: claire.bauska@vcoss.org.au .
Aim of the Award
The Award aims to advance knowledge and effective practice in the fields of social justice, community, disability or bio-ethics.
The Award provides a grant or grants that will total up to $10,000 per annum.
Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from individuals working in the Victorian community sector. Applicants must reside in Victoria and intend to use the grant in Victoria.
Criteria for Nomination
The applicant must provide evidence of credibility in their field of study and/or work and have demonstrated a commitment to social inclusion and/ or disability issues.
Applications are to be received by the last day of April each year and no late applications will be accepted – closing date for 2012: 31 May.
The successful applicant/s will be notified by the end of July each year – notification date for 2012: 31 July.
Application
- Applications outlining the proposed project will be submitted by the last day in May of each year – for 2012: 31 May.
- The proposal should have direct links to furthering knowledge and practice in the fields of social inclusion and/or disability.
- The application should include a budget with budget items identified, justified and prioritised, and indicating provision for disseminating the project’s findings and outcomes through appropriate professional networks, including holding a forum on the project’s findings.
- A letter of support from the Chief Executive Officer, Manager or appropriate person of the organisation with which the applicant is associated is required.
- The application must include a statement from two professional referees. Applications are to be submitted electronically by 31 May 2012 to Claire Bauska at the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) – E: claire.bauska@vcoss.org.au
- Each sheet of an application should be identified by the applicant’s name.
- All information will be held by the Committee and will not be returned to applicants. The Committee will treat all information provided confidentially and use it only to assist its decision making.
Criteria for selection
- Demonstration of a direct connection between the proposal and improved knowledge and practice.
- An innovative, clear and ethical proposal.
- Financial and in-kind support from the applicant’s organisation to assist the proposal.
- The applicant must have either worked or studied in an area relating to social justice, community, disability or bio-ethics; have demonstrated a commitment to innovative research and/or innovative practice in the above areas; and have a capacity to disseminate research and/or work findings.
Criteria for selection
- Applications will be received by VCOSS – see details above.
- Applications are to received by the last day of April each year and no late applications will be accepted – closing date for 2012: 31 May.
- Decisions on the Award will be decided by a voluntary committee comprising, for 2012:
- Kay Bodna
- Sandie deWolf AM, CEO, Berry Street Victoria
- David Green, former Public Advocate and colleague of Ben Bodna
- John Emerson AM, Partner, Freehills
- Carolyn Atkins, Deputy Director, VCOSS
- The successful applicant/s will be notified by the end of July each year – notification date for 2012: 31 July.
Time frame
- Grants must be taken up within three months of advice of the award or it will lapse.
- Grants are awarded for a twelve month period.
Time frame
- It will be assumed that the applicant, in having a letter of support from the CEO of his or her organisation, will be bound by, and conduct their funded work in accordance with established policies and procedures of their organisations, including occupational health and safety, and equity policies.
- Successful applicants will register and protect any intellectual property generated through this Award in accordance with the policies of their organisation.
- Successful applicants will, wherever appropriate, acknowledge this Award.
Key dates – 2012
- Applications close: 31 May 2012
- Applicants notified: 31 July 2012