More than $670,000 invested in future ECTs as Fraser Foundation brings sector together for annual luncheon

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Oct 01, 2026

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The Fraser Foundation will bring the early childhood education and care sector together on 16 October for its Annual Charity Luncheon, as the independent charity marks five years of investment in Australia’s ECEC workforce.

Since awarding its first scholarships in 2021, the Foundation has provided more than 60 Early Childhood Teacher scholarships worth over $670,000 to educators across Australia, helping remove financial barriers to university study.

Its scholarship program is open to eligible educators regardless of where they work, with recipients spanning services across the country, including regional and remote communities.

Alongside its ECT scholarship program, the Foundation has renewed its partnership with the College for Australian Early Childhood Educators to fund a further 180 Diploma qualifications, bringing the total number of fully funded Diploma places supported through the partnership to 360.

The Foundation also delivers free national professional development webinars and recently launched its Research Impact Grant, designed to support research that strengthens the evidence base for early childhood education and workforce development.

The Annual Charity Luncheon is the Foundation’s major fundraising event, with funds raised supporting its scholarship and education initiatives.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, doctor, lawyer, researcher and disability advocate, who also spoke at the Foundation’s launch. Dr Palipana became Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical graduate after sustaining a spinal cord injury while studying medicine, with his story reflecting the Foundation’s focus on supporting people to overcome barriers to education and professional progression.

The luncheon will bring together approved providers, sector leaders, suppliers and supporters at The Glasshouse at The Island Gold Coast.

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