Ethel Temby research grants
Fact Sheet
Ethel Temby was a fierce advocate for social justice, particularly in the area of life experienced by people with an
intellectual disability. Ethel emphasised the right of a person to participate in all aspects of life, and the contribution
that each person makes to their community. She was awarded a MBE in 1975, a Churchill fellowship in 1976 and a
Centenary Medal in 2001. Ethel’s work and contribution were acknowledged by the Department of Human Services
in 2001 with the establishment of the Ethel Temby Research grants, formally known as study tours.
The Ethel Temby research grant is an award of financial aid to staff in the human services workforce to complete a
research project and presentation and/or publication. The research will investigate new approaches which work
towards the goals of the State Disability Plan, and may be undertaken locally, interstate or overseas.
The maximum amount receivable is $9,000 (excluding GST) for costs incurred through the research undertaken in
2018.
Eligibility of applications
To be eligible for a research grant applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent
resident of Australia and employed by:
 the Department of Health and Human Services (Vic) or
 a community service organisation funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (Vic) under the
Disability Act 2006.
Applicants who have previously received a grant may apply again, however preference may be given to those who
have not previously received one.
Applicants are only eligible to receive one grant in any given year.
Applicants may collaborate to submit a joint application for an Ethel Temby research grant; however, the grant will
remain at the maximum amount of $9,000.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Applying for an Ethel Temby grant
Applications for an Ethel Temby grant are completed online. The next round of applications will open on Tuesday
13 June 2017 and close on Tuesday 18 July 2017.
Selection process
A panel of representatives from government, community service organisations, relevant unions and people with a
disability will assess the applications. Applicants compete with each other for a grant - they are not awarded on the
basis of application alone.
The decision of the selection panel is final. However an unsuccessful applicant may request feedback from the
panel to assist them in future applications.
All applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of their application within six weeks of the closing date.
Successful applicants will receive a letter advising them of the grant amount and a request for the completion and
return of an Ethel Temby research grant acceptance form.
Payment of Ethel Temby research grant monies
Each Ethel Temby research grant covers up to $9,000 (excluding GST) of expenses incurred through the
undertaking of the research project. The research grant will be paid in two parts:
Part 1: The first $7,200 (excluding GST) of the grant will reimburse participants for expenses, which may
include: individual’s time to undertake research (individual might invoice the department), cost of
accommodation, meals, travel fares, travel insurance premiums, conference costs and incidentals.
Part 2: The remaining $1,800 (excluding GST) will be paid on invoice from the individual upon the provision
of the individual’s final presentation and/or publication.
Note: A successful applicant who has a disability may have additional support requirements. If you have expenses
relating to this support, please include those in your application. Requests for additional financial aid to cover these
expenses will be considered. Documentation verifying a carer’s status may be requested.
Conditions for use of the Ethel Temby research grant
 Ethel Temby research grants are solely for expenses incurred in undertaking the research project in 2018.
 The Ethel Temby research grant amount of $9,000 stated on the “letter of grant offer” is the maximum amount of
money that the department will pay towards the research.
 Reimbursements will be made to the individual on provision of invoices or receipts.
 Scholarship monies are only paid on receipt of a compliant Australian Taxation Office (ATO) invoice.
 If funds are not used by the successful applicant within the specified period, any remaining funds will be
forfeited.
 In cases where the grant does not fully cover expenses of the approved research, the successful applicant will
be responsible for the payment/costs of any additional expenses.
 Research grants are not transferable to another person.
 Successful applicants will need to apply for study leave and/or travel leave in line with departmental policy.

Successful applicants employed by the Department of Health and Human Services will be required to comply
with the department’s International & Domestic Travel Policy & Guidelines.
 The department reserves the right to refuse payments that are not identified in the original application.
 Successful applicants who are partnering with an academic institution will be required to comply with that
institution’s ethics and research requirements.
 The Department of Health and Human Services, Centre for Learning and Organisational Development, must be
notified of withdrawal from the research program as soon as possible.
 Successful applicants will be required to make a presentation of their findings at a suitable forum, and/or provide
a 1,000 – 2,000 word report.
 The research project and presentation and/or publication along with the final (part 2) invoice must be submitted
by 31 March 2019.
 Any proposed changes to the approved research (eg. the duration or commencement date) requires approval
by the Manager, Talent Capability and Learning, Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact Information
For general enquiries about the Ethel Temby research grant program, please email
[email protected] or phone Sarah Rossi (03) 9096 5760 (Tuesday or Friday), or Heidi
Preston (03) 9096 1665.
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To receive this publication in an accessible format email [email protected] or phone
Sarah Rossi on 9096 5760 (Tuesday or Friday) or Heidi Preston (03) 9096 1665
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services May 2017.
Available at <http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/our-organisation/careers/scholarshipand-ethel-temby-research-grant-program>
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