Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism

• Eligibility Criteria: Journalists from all sectors and experience levels, including freelancers, staff reporters, academics, public intellectuals, and former journalists with a demonstrated media track record as independent voices or reporters are eligible. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents with working rights in Australia, including Australians residing overseas, with preference given to those living in the Pacific.
• Type of Funding: Grant
• Region: Pacific
• Application Language: English

The Walkley Foundation is inviting applications for its Sean Dorney Grant Program to support impactful reporting that brings Pacific island perspectives to Australian audiences. The Grant honours the work of esteemed ABC journalist Sean Dorney. It provides for a grant of $10,000 to a journalist to produce significant content in any medium profiling issues in the Pacific region. In 2026, up to two grant applications will be selected.

Objectives

The grant aims to provide:

• An incentive for more reporting of Pacific issues by the Australian media in all formats
• Increased opportunities for Australian journalists who cover the Pacific to develop more detailed stories on the region
• Support for Australian journalists and media outlets who want to embark on Pacific journalism for the first time
• Greater exposure and publicity for journalism that brings the stories of the Pacific islands region to Australian audiences

Eligibility 

• The judges are looking for original journalism with public interest value and impact, and which gives voice to Pacific island perspectives on an under-reported issue or development of importance to Australia and the region.
• The grant is open to journalists from all sectors, backgrounds and experience levels, and to both freelancers and reporters employed by media organisations. The Foundation encourages applications from diverse and early career reporters as well as experienced and well-known journalists. Academics, public intellectuals and former journalists working in Pacific-related fields may also apply.
• These applicants must have a strong track record in the media as an independent voice or reporter.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have working rights in Australia. Applications can be made by people who meet these criteria who reside outside Australia, preferably in the Pacific.
• Group applications may include up to three names, with one person nominated as the primary contact.
• Grantees will be required to publish their finished work within 12 months of the grant being awarded in July 2026.

Requirements

Applicants need to submit the following:

• A 300-word description of the story idea, proposed angle, and why they are important to Australian audiences.
• A 200-word statement explaining how the story responds to the judging criteria, including how you might work with local content producers.
• A description of where the applicant plans to publish their story, including the proposed outlet/s, platforms, and programs.
• A letter of commitment from a publisher and / or broadcaster, agreeing to publish the finished work and to use a supplied Walkley Public Fund branding toolkit to brand the finished work.
• A 100-word statement explaining why they are the best person to tell this story.
• A completed budget template explaining how the $10,000 will be spent.
• Three examples of their best published work.
• A 100-word description of the kind of guidance and support they would hope to receive from a mentor.
• A 50-word biography and a photo of their suitable for publication.

How to apply 

Before starting the application, applicants should refer to the full Judging Criteria and Terms and Conditions to determine their eligibility and what will be expected if their application is successful. They can then submit their applications through this platform no later than 11.59pm, Monday 13 April, 2026. 

For more information, please visit this page.