When Teag Twist applied for the Jack Cranstoun Scholarship in 2024, they saw it as a “a rare and powerful opportunity” to strengthen their skills in mediation, whilst also staying deeply connected to their community work.
Now in its 11th year, the Jack Cranstoun Scholarship continues to offer law students and graduates, or those interested in learning more about mediation, a chance to develop strong capabilities in dispute resolution.
Applications are now open to Queenslanders aged 21 to 35. The program includes mediation training valued at more than $4000 and national mediation accreditation.
The opportunity is offered in memory of a gifted young mediator from the Dispute Resolution Branch who died in 2014.
Teag, who was the 2024 First Nations recipient, said they wanted to explore the ways mediation tools could be adapted and grounded in Indigenous approaches to conflict management.
“Ones that prioritise relationships, truth-telling and cultural safety,” they said.
“The scholarship expanded my ability to advocate effectively in a broader range of environments, from grassroots community meetings to more formal high-level discussions.”
Teag said the scholarship gave them the “skills and confidence to navigate and facilitate complex conversations in a way that allows for all parties to be recognised.”
Elise Cardamone was the 2024 open category recipient and credited the opportunity with shaping her approach to difficult conversations.
“It’s given me the confidence to step into challenging situations with a clear process and a focus on constructive outcomes,’ she said.
She has since been accepted into the Master of Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology course at the University of Queensland.
“These skills will be invaluable as I move forward in my clinical work, and I also see opportunities to offer mediation in community contexts alongside my psychology practice,” Elise said.
The scholarship is awarded across four categories, including First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those from regional Queensland and the general or open category.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 21 September 2025 and more information can be found here.
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