Lived Experience bursary applications

People with lived experience of incarceration can apply for support to attend the Reintegration Puzzle Conference.  

Before applying for the bursary program, you will need to attend a free online conference briefing session with JRI's Lived Experience Advocacy Coordinator.  

You will be provided with the bursary application form after you have attended this briefing session. 

Briefing sessions will be offered in December 2025 and January 2026 and the first week of February 2026, before applications close.  

What types of support are available?
The support available to people with personal lived experience of incarceration includes:

Frequently asked questions

Who should apply?
Anyone with personal lived experience of being imprisoned is encouraged to apply. Eligibility criteria is below.

Eligibility criteria - lived experience complimentary registration
Complimentary registration is open to anyone who:

1. Has attended a free online conference briefing session with JRI’s Lived Experience Advocacy Coordinator;

2. Has personal experience of being imprisoned;

3. Works or volunteers in a role (or is hoping to) that relates to supporting people who have been in the justice system;

4. The costs would cause financial stress;

5. Does not work or volunteer for an organisation that can afford to pay for conference registration.

Eligibility criteria - lived experience bursary
The lived experience bursary program will be prioritised for anyone who:

1. Has attended a free, online, conference briefing session with Tina McPhee;

2. Has applied and been selected to present at the 2026 Reintegration Puzzle Conference;

3. Has personal experience of being imprisoned;

4. The costs would cause financial stress;

5. Works or volunteers in a role (or is hoping to) that relates to supporting people who have been in the justice system;

6. Can demonstrate how the role (or hope to develop a role) aligns to the conference theme.

How many people will be supported?
At this stage, we have funding to support:

• 20 lived experience complimentary registrations

• 30 lived experience bursaries

• Please note that we are currently fundraising to see if we can expand the level of support noted above.

When can I apply?
Applications open in December 2025 and close on 4 February 2026.

Can I apply if I don't live in Australia?
No, unfortunately we only have capacity to support people living in Australia.

How will the information I share be used?
The Justice Reform Initiative undertakes not to use the Confidential Information contained in this form for any purpose other than reviewing and assessing the application submitted without first obtaining the written agreement of the applicant. Information included within this form will be shared with third parties including ConferenceNational (Conference management company responsible for the Reintegration Puzzle Conference) and members of the independent selection panel responsible for reviewing and assessing all applications submitted for the sole purpose of reviewing and assessing applications. If you have any concerns regarding the storage and use of your data, please contact Tina McPhee at tina@justicereforminitiative.org.au.

How will my application be assessed?
An independent committee will review all applications against the criteria outlined above.

When will I find out the outcome of my application?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome in the week commencing 9 March 2026.

Terms and conditions

Please click here to view and download the terms and conditions in relation to scholarship for the 19th Reintegration Puzzle Conference 2026.