About $1.2 million has been distributed over the past seven years, through a fund set up to help young people who have spent time in care, to achieve their goals.
The Dame Roma Mitchell Trust allocates grants of up to $2500 to young people to help them meet their health, wellbeing and developmental needs – and applications are now open for this year’s first funding round.
Young people commonly apply for grants to support them with products and services as they reach adulthood and independence. The money can go towards a range of costs, such as paying for course fees, driving lessons, or whitegoods to kickstart a home set-up.
During 2025, the Trust approved more than 150 applications for grants, totalling more than $127,500 and providing important help for many who may have limited support within their family networks.
Over the past year, Dame Roma Mitchell Grants have also helped pay for
- Home furniture;
- Tools to support apprenticeships;
- Equipment to set up a market stall and
- Laptops to support work and study.
Round 1 for this year’s grant program is open until 13 March, with a second round scheduled to open in August.
Applicants must be under 30 and have spent at least a year in care. Young people considering applying can find more details on the Apply for a Grant page.
The Trust funds are managed by the Public Trustee, with the operational support provided by the Department for Child Protection.
Comments attributable to Department for Child Protection Acting Chief Executive Darian Shephard-Bayly
For more than 20 years, the Dame Roma Mitchell Grants have provided a wonderful support system to help young people achieve their aspirations.
It’s often challenging for young people to find the money for study, computer equipment, or setting up a home, but for those with a care experience, reaching adulthood and meeting the cost of living, can be particularly difficult.
In some cases, the Dame Roma Mitchell Grants can help young people afford items or services that may otherwise be out of reach.
It’s always touching to see the incredible impact these grants have on young people, and I encourage all those eligible to consider applying for this latest round.
Comments attributable to Marjorie Ellis, Chair of the Board of Advice-Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund
Young people who are, or have been in care, are arguably some of the most vulnerable people in our community - often with no family or other support. Some applicants are young women with babies and small children.
While funds are limited, small allocations can make a huge difference, for example, a laptop can enable improved engagement in education and capacity to apply for employment.
A recent allocation was made to assist the purchase of a musical instrument to further skill development, which encourages the pursuit of aspirations that could lead to further education and a career in music.
Some allocations for furniture make a huge difference to quality of life and pre-empt expensive remedial processes such as back problems (e.g. a new bed/mattress).
Similarly, white goods such as a washing machine or refrigerator can make a huge difference to the capacity of young people to manage their hygiene and health in the context of very limited funds.