Image credit: Australian Museum, 2016

Writing to Win

I have been writing winning grant and award applications since 2008.

In 2015 I moved into the STEM sector, working closely with Defence Science and Technology Group scientists to create winning award applications for national and international science prizes. Here my ability to interpret technical data was evidenced by Defence scientists winning recognition in significant awards including the Queen’s Birthday Honours, the ACT Public Sector Innovation Awards, the Minister’s Award for Achievement in Defence Science and the Clunies Ross Award.

Importantly, I was also able to secure scholarships and travel grants for early-career scientists to assist in their fields of work. At the other end of the awards spectrum, I represented the Defence Science and Technology Group at other science awards in our capacity as sponsors, including the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes, with the Defence Science and Technology Eureka Prize being awarded for outstanding science in safeguarding Australia.

Image credit: Matty Collins Photography; stage sculpture by Victoria Lees

Between 2007 and 2018 I provided editorial and drafting support to ACT community arts organisations. My successful grant applications secured fiscal assistance to facilitate a broad range of activities including the purchase/hire of critical event infrastructure, employing local artists and promoting the work of Canberra’s arts and music community.

One such example is Dragon Dreaming Festival, a project in which I was involved as co-founder and director. During that time one of the key grants I won was funded by the ACT Government, with an injection of $5,000 and a seat at the committee table for the opening ceremony of the Belconnen Arts Centre in 2009. This immense opportunity propelled many musicians and performers into the spotlight, allowing them to share the stage during the opening with ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and receive much needed media exposure for both themeselves and the fledgling festival. Annually, in the lead up to the festival, I liaised with my local media networks (including BMA Mag and The Riot Act) to promote ticket sales for the festival, including drafting of articles and preparation of images for publication.

Image credits: BMA Mag, 2008

My skills in understanding what constitutes effective writing were honed in the early 2000s as a project officer managing Commonwealth grants funding. At that time I assessed applications from state and local governments for road and infrastructure projects of up to $5 million, and managed the projects to completion under high profile funding initiatives. These early days were full of drafting various progress reports, Senate Estimates briefs, Questions on Notice and Ministerial speeches.

*Cover image credit: Freepik