Honouring Excellence in Social Work

The 2026 Social Work Scholarship Program, celebrating World Social Work Day, 17 March 2026

The Premier Scholarship

Interstate Conference Prize: One lucky social worker will receive $5,000 to cover travel and registration for a professional conference outside their home state.

Categories:
Social Worker of the Year
Early Career Worker of the Year
Team of the Year

Gala Event: All scholarship recipients are invited to the My Guardian Gala Dinner.

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The 2026 Social Worker Scholarship Program

My Guardian Foundation is proud to recognise outstanding social workers and teams across Local Health Districts. Submit a nomination and help us celebrate the people driving meaningful change in our communities. Please nominate for one of the categories below.
Nominations close: 12 March 2026

The Premier Scholarship

$5,000 Interstate Conference Scholarship

This scholarship supports travel, registration, and attendance at a professional conference interstate. This is not a separate nomination category. It is an additional scholarship awarded to one of the individual recipients.

Gala Dinner Invitation

All scholarship recipients will receive an invitation to attend the My Guardian Gala Dinner.

The Premier Scholarship

$5,000 Interstate Conference Scholarship

Gala Dinner Invitation

All scholarship recipients will receive an invitation to attend the My Guardian Gala Dinner.

Scholarship Categories

Social Worker of the Year

Recognises an individual who demonstrates leadership, excellence in practice, and measurable impact.

Scholarship : Up to $2,000 Professional Development Scholarship

*Entrants into this category are aligible for the Premier scholarship.

Early Career Social Worker

Recognises an emerging social worker who has shown exceptional promise, initiative, and commitment to growth.

Scholarship : Up to $2,000 Professional Development Scholarship

*Entrants into this category are aligible for the Premier scholarship.

Team of the Year

Recognises a team of social workers who have collaborated to deliver outstanding outcomes.

Scholarship : Up to $1,000 Team Morning Tea Celebration

Ready to Recognise Excellence?

Please select a nomination category and provide details.

Ready to Recognise Excellence?

Please select a nomination category and provide details.

Important Information

Once you are notified you are a recipient of the scholarship, please contact partnerships@myguardian.com.au
Once you have selected a course or program you wish to attend, please email partnerships@myguardian.com.au to arrange payment.
Please note that your contact detail will be kept on record and you may receive information from
My Guardian Foundation
Nominations close: 12 March 2026

Important Information

Once you are notified you are a recipient of the scholarship, please contact partnerships@myguardian.com.au
Once you have selected a course or program you wish to attend, please email partnerships@myguardian.com.au to arrange payment.
Please note that your contact detail will be kept on record and you may receive information from My Guardian Foundation
Nominations close: 12 March 2026

Scholarship Terms and Conditions

Social Worker Learning & Development Program

1. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the My Guardian Foundation Social Worker Scholarship, applicants must:

Professional Status: Be a qualified Social Worker currently employed in NSW Health.
Citizenship: Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid humanitarian visa.
Employment: Be currently employed by NSW Health and working in metro Local Health District (SLHD,NSLHD,WSLHD,SWSLHD,SESLHD, NBMLHD), or willing to undertake a placement with, My Guardian Foundation or an affiliated hospital partner.
Course Alignment: The proposed study or professional development must directly relate to social work practice within a hospital, aged care, or disability setting (e.g., trauma-informed care, palliative care, NDIS navigation).

2. Scholarship Value and Payment

Social Work of the Year – Total Value: The scholarship value is up to $2,000.
Early Career Social Worker – Total Value: The scholarship value is up to $2,000.
Social Work Team of the Year – Morning Tea to the value of $1,000

The “My Guardian” Premier Scholarship – The scholarship value is up to $5,000

Payment Schedule:
- Once the recipient has identified the course they would wish to attend. They should contact partnerships@myguardian.com.au to organise payment.

Approved Expenses: Funds must be used for conference fees, accredited short courses, or approved learning and development. It may not be used for general living expenses unless explicitly approved.

3. Application and Selection

Submission: Applications must be submitted via the official online form by 12 March 2026.
Personal Statement: Applicants must provide a statement (max 500 words) outlining their achievement or how this learning will improve patient outcomes within the hospital or home care system.
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

4. Recipient Obligations

Continued Enrolment: Recipients must remain enrolled in the course for which the scholarship was awarded. Any change in course or withdrawal must be reported to My Guardian within 7 days.
Feedback/Reporting: Recipients may be required to submit a brief “Impact Report” (200-300 words) describing how the training has influenced their practice.

5. Termination and Repayment

My Guardian Foundation reserves the right to terminate the scholarship and request a full or partial refund if:

The recipient provides false or misleading information.
The recipient withdraws from the course or fails to meet academic requirements.
The recipient’s employment is terminated for misconduct during the scholarship period.

6. Privacy and Data

Information collected will be used solely for the purpose of administering the scholarship in accordance with My Guardian Foundation’s Privacy Policy.