Professor Joe Graffam scholarship nominations

The Reintegration Puzzle Conference was founded in 2005 by Professor Joe Graffam. While undertaking a research project related to employment for women leaving prison in 2003, Joe noticed that there weren’t any mechanisms for sharing information or innovative practice regarding post-release. He was determined to rectify that absence and so the Reintegration Puzzle Conference was born.

Joe saw the world through an ecosystem lens. Rather than placing responsibility onto individuals, Joe recognised the social determinants of incarceration and the need for a joined-up community response to support people in rebuilding their lives after prison.

In 2023, Joe passed away after a short illness. This scholarship has been created to honour Joe’s memory and to continue his commitment to supporting people with lived experience of incarceration to develop their leadership capacity.

The winner of the scholarship will receive the following:

• 15 minute keynote presentation at the Reintegration Puzzle Conference

• $1,500 cash prize

• Fully funded trip to Tarndanya | Adelaide (travel & accommodation)

• Full registration to attend the 19th Reintegration Puzzle Conference, including welcome function and dinner

• Lived experience lunch on 23 June (optional to attend)

Please note: The winner of the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship will only be announced at the conference itself. The person will be notified privately but no other announcement will be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people will be supported?
There is only ONE Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship available.

Can I nominate myself?
No, individuals can't nominate themselves. Someone else must nominate you for the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship.

Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes, you can nominate more than one person for the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship. You will need to complete a separate nomination form for each person you are nominating.

How many people will be supported?
There is only ONE Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship available.

Can I nominate myself?
No, individuals can't nominate themselves. Someone else must nominate you for the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship.

Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes, you can nominate more than one person for the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship. You will need to complete a separate nomination form for each person you are nominating.

How are nominations assessed?
An independent selection panel will assess all nominations against the assessment criteria below:

1. Lived personal experience of incarceration; 

2. Have a demonstrated commitment to supporting people involved in the criminal justice system;

3. Have demonstrated a new or innovative approach to supporting individuals to break the cycle of imprisonment; and

4. Have a commitment to building the capacity of the local community to respond to people who are justice system involved.

When can you nominate someone?
Applications open at 9am (AEST) on Monday 9 February 2026 and will close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday 9 March 2026.

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 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 Louise at louise@jri.org.au.

When will I find out the outcome of my nomination?
The winner of the Professor Joe Graffam Scholarship will not be announced until the conference.

I still have questions or need help nominating someone, who do I contact?
Please contact louise@jri.org.au.

How do I nominate someone?
You will need to complete a nomination form. It will open at 9am (AEST) on Monday 9 February 2026 and will close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday 9 March, 2026.

Terms and conditions

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