10/02/2023

Trey-Kai Bamford is diving further into the virtual reality world, and the business opportunities it brings, through a grant program that this year marks two decades of supporting young people.

The 20-year-old received about $1200 through the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund to buy virtual reality (VR) and audio equipment – items that will help him pursue a new career.

The Fund began in 2003 with money designated by the State Government and the SA Council for Social Services, to support children and young people in care and those who have left care and are aged 29 and under. Grants from the fund give young people greater opportunities to access items and services that they may otherwise struggle to secure independently.

Trey-Kai, who was previously in care, is a game designer with three tech-related qualifications under his belt and a strong interest in the bourgeoning VR space.

“I loved the feeling of being able to do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do,” he says of some of his first experiences with the technology.

This year, Trey-Kai is furthering his studies through the Adelaide-based Academy of Interactive Entertainment and long-term, he wants to work on quality assurance projects in the VR space, along with setting up his own “freelancing hub”.

“Freelancers would come and work under me and they’d be on a regular and stable salary to provide them with job security,” he said.

Trey-Kai, who receives post-care support through Relationships Australia, says receiving the money for his equipment through the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund, has been a huge help.

“I wouldn’t have been able to afford this myself for another two years on my current income,” he says.

Each year there are two funding rounds with grants helping cover the cost of study, household furniture, whitegoods and computers, healthcare and other important needs.

The first round for 2023 is open for applications until Friday, 10 March, with $89,000 funding available for distribution.

Amid the pandemic, the number of yearly applications increased from 191 in 2019, to 374 applications in 2022.

Since the Department for Child Protection assumed responsibility for the Fund’s administration in 2018, more than $637,000 has been distributed to young applicants.

The Fund, along with a suite of broader offerings available through the Government’s Investing in their future initiative, support children and young people in care and those who have left care with priority access to a range of services and programs in the areas of health, dental, therapeutic support, education and training, recreation and transition to adulthood.

Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund Chair Colleen Fitzpatrick said grants could offer young people the opportunity to be supported with an item or service that they have been unable to access independently.

“My family and I were privileged to be able to help our children when they left home and the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust Fund can help do that for young people as they’re leaving care,” she said.

“These grants help young people pay for much-needed goods and services that can assist them to acquire basic household goods, or meet their self-development and career goals.”

For more information or to apply, visit the Dame Roma Mitchell grants page.

Head and shoulders photo of Trey-Kai Bamford