Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award


The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award targets "women and non-binary people 35 years and under who have demonstrated achievement and commitment to improving community life in Victoria."

The award provides a $10,000 educational scholarship for research or study in Australia or overseas, furthering education through approved tertiary coursework. Nominees must be Australian citizens or permanent residents — Local Government officers, Councillors, or community members.

Eligible Contribution Areas

Nominees must have demonstrated achievement and commitment in one or more of the following areas:

Local Government
Social Justice
Aboriginal Affairs & Reconciliation
Arts & Music
Community Health
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Communities
Urban Planning
The Environment

Key Dates

Nominations Close5pm Friday 4 September 2026
Award AnnouncementThursday 22 October at the 2026 LGPro Women’s Network Dinner
VenuePark Hyatt Melbourne

About Sally Isaac

Sally Elizabeth Isaac was a distinguished leader in the Local Government sector who passed away in early 2009. At age 33, she served as Director of Community Programs at Yarra City Council, overseeing 342 professional staff across aged care, child care, community planning, advocacy, arts, and library services.

The fund was established in 2009 as a sub-fund of Australian Communities Foundation to honour her legacy and foster emerging female leaders committed to community improvement.

About the Scholarship

The scholarship is valued at $10,000 and is intended for research or study in Australia or overseas. Usage must further education through approved tertiary coursework; overseas courses must be creditable through an Australian institution.

Recipients must provide written confirmation of course enrolment. The $10,000 will be distributed by Australian Communities Foundation upon enrolment verification. Within 12 months of course completion, recipients must submit a written report or presentation.