Loris Williams Memorial Fund
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, professionals and researchers

The Loris Williams Memorial Fund, previously known as the Loris Williams Memorial Scholarship, is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, professionals, and researchers in the archival and records management profession.

Applications closed on Tuesday 6 January 2026. Successful applicant/s will be notified mid February 2026. 

Fund Information

The Fund provides $4,000 towards fees, books, computers, and other direct costs of study, research or their career development in archives; a one-year ASA membership and the option of being connected to a mentor to support career development and progression in the archives and recordkeeping sector. Recipients and their mentor will also each receive one free registration to the ASA annual conference, to facilitate an opportunity for them to meet in person and strengthen their mentor-mentee relationship.

ASA membership provides access to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Special Interest Group. This group encourages and facilitates contact and discussion among members involved with or interested in records related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the services provided to them.

Eligibility

The Fund is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, professionals, and researchers in the archival and records management profession.

Funds may be awarded to:

• Vocational education and training students studying at Certificate III level or higher at a TAFE or other college.
• University students undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Australia.
• Individuals pursuing research, professional development, or training relevant to the archives sector. This may include entry qualifications, micro-credentialing, or intensive short courses.

Application Process

Application is via our online platform OpenWater. A selection panel of three people with expertise in Indigenous, archival and education matters will assess the written applications and conduct follow-up interviews.

Background Information

We are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to become archivists and supporting those already working in the archival and records management profession. Our policy statement on Archival Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples states: “In particular, archives and archivists in Australia should be encouraged to employ, train and educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and to help them to pursue fulfilling careers in archives.”

We believe that it is important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples train as archivists and records managers to help influence the management of archival materials and collections. Joining the archival profession provides an opportunity to create awareness of the vast amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ history and experience recorded in material held in archives and improve appropriate access to these collections.

Having more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the profession provides opportunities to influence change and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel represented in decisions made about archival collections and processes.

Previously, the Fund was known as The Loris Williams Memorial Scholarship and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with financial assistance towards study and support for career development. In 2024 it was updated to the Loris Williams Memorial Fund and was expanded to facilitate ongoing support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, professionals and researchers in the archival and records management profession.