Applications open for Jack Cranstoun mediation scholarship

Young Queenslanders with an interest in conflict resolution are being encouraged to apply for one of four scholarships on offer for accredited mediation training as part of the Jack Cranstoun program.

Attorney-General, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentimen, said the Jack Cranstoun scholarship provided the opportunity for four young Queenslanders to be trained in mediation and attain National Mediation Accreditation status.

“Mediators play a vital role in Queensland communities by providing much-needed assistance to members of the public to resolve conflict in a mutually beneficial manner without going to court,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Scholarship recipients will discover how to facilitate discussions and effectively resolve disputes, while learning about the theory and practices of facilitative mediation and conflict management.

“This scholarship pays tribute to a much-loved and talented mediator with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) who worked in family counselling and youth support programs in the Moreton Bay region and sadly lost his life in 2014.”

The value of each of the four scholarships available is $3,500. Since the launch of the Jack Cranstoun program in 2015, the DJAG Dispute Resolution Branch (DRB) has proudly provided training scholarships valued at $87,000 to 29 young Queenslanders as part of the program.

“These recipients have been provided with an invaluable opportunity to work with experienced mediators, and gain the skills and knowledge needed to start their career in mediation,” Minister Fentiman said.

“You don’t have to be a lawyer to apply as the training provided will benefit those from a variety of fields such as community organisations, public service, private sector, counselling, legal practice and real estate.

“Mediation training benefits anyone wanting to develop their communication and negotiation skills, and to learn about the theory and practices of facilitative mediation and conflict management.”

The 2022 scholarship is awarded to four recipients across the following categories:

• First Nations Peoples
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Regional Qld
• General

Scholarship recipients will be trained in two interactive courses:

• Mediation level 1 – Introduction to mediation skills
• Mediation level 2 – Development of mediation skills and accreditation assessment.

The scholarships are offered to young people between the ages of 21 and 30.  Interested people can apply or find further information about the 2022 Jack Cranstoun Scholarship online at www.qld.gov.au/jcscholarship.

Applications close 9am, Wednesday 31 August 2022.