Scholarship
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The Bridget Whelan Scholarship is an annual award of $10,000 for female staffers in the Australian Labor Party. The Elizabeth Reid Network awards the Scholarship to assist female staffers with several years experience to extend and develop their skills and capacity and contribute further to the party – whether in policy, communications or leadership roles.
About the Bridget Whelan Scholarship
For female staffers in the Australian Labor Party.
The Bridget Whelan Scholarship is an annual award of $10,000 for female staffers in the Australian Labor Party. It is named in honour of the talented Bridget Whelan, who worked in senior staffer roles in the NSW and Federal Labor governments between 2000-2011.
The scholarship enables passionate and committed women who see a future for themselves as political advisers to broaden their knowledge and horizons at either a local, state or national level.
About Bridget Whelan OAM
Bridget worked as a Senior Adviser for Minister John Della Bosca and Premiers Morris Iemma and Nathan Rees, and as Chief of Staff for Attorney-General John Hatzistergos, in the NSW Government, and for Federal Cabinet Minister Mark Arbib.
During her time in Government, Bridget led the NSW Legislative program and was responsible for a raft of important legislation. Bridget also worked hard to support, guide and mentor other female staffers. Like our Patron Elizabeth Reid, Bridget was a trailblazer, always taking on big challenges, always positive, always kind and always caring. A great many staff benefited from her wit, wisdom and unwavering support.
In 2010, Bridget was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After her diagnosis, she dedicated her time to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and worked closely with several cancer advocacy, support and research organisations. In 2015, Bridget was awarded the Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award for her commitment to improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. Sadly, Bridget passed away in 2016 at the age of 42, just days after the launch of the ERN, which she helped dream up and provided the legal advice on our structure. She was posthumously awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community health as an advocate for people with cancer.
Scholarship application timeline
Applications open:
25 November 2025
Applications close:
2 February 2026
Winner announced:
TBA
Past recipients
2024 Winner
Clare Manton
2023 Winner
Stephanie Anderson
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2021 Winner
Georgia Betros
2019 Winner
Georgia Goldsworthy
2018 Winner
Rachel Durrant
2017 Winner
Karelle Logan
FAQs
Have any other questions? Get in touch.
The purpose of the Scholarship is to assist female staffers to extend and develop their skills and capacity and contribute further to the party in policy, communications and leadership roles.The scholarship enables passionate and committed women who see a future for themselves as political advisers to broaden their knowledge and horizons at either a local, state or national level. Past recipients have also been supported to pursue opportunities internationally.
To be eligible for the Scholarship, female applicants must meet the minimum selection criteria of:
- 3 or more years experience as a political adviser (at Federal or State level)
- 2 or more years of work experience in another workplace
- Australian citizen or resident
- The successful applicant will also demonstrate the potential to contribute to the Labor Party as a mentor for younger female staffers at the completion of their Scholarship activities.
Up to $10,000 is awarded each year to an outstanding candidate who can use the funds to undertake travel, further education and training, or other activities that will prepare them to fill senior positions supporting Labor governments.
It is expected that scholarship funds are spent within 12 months of being awarded, and recipients submit a written report to the Elizabeth Reid Network for distribution to female staffers and others within the party to inform and inspire.
While you don’t need official approval, we would suggest you check in with both your Chief of Staff and/or MP to let them know you are applying. Their support for your application would be a great help if you are lucky enough to win and need the time off to undertake your studies or travel.
Applications open 25 November 2025
Applications close 2 February 2026