Released 15/10/2025
Recipients of the 2025 Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants are doing extraordinary things and will receive support from the ACT Government to help them pursue their dreams.
The Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants provide girls, young women, non-binary and gender diverse young people from 12 to 18 years old with funding to develop a project that will help achieve their goals.
Recipients will receive funding of up to $2,000, from a pool of $10,000, for projects that will develop or enhance their skills and knowledge in their area of interest.
Some of the diverse projects that have been awarded funding include undertaking classical dance training, attending national and international athletic competitions, and pursuing education certificates in allied health and fitness.
Minister for Women Dr. Marisa Paterson congratulated the recipients of the Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants for their ambition, drive and commitment.
“We have so many talented girls, young women, non-binary and gender diverse people in the ACT. Their passionate pursuit of their goals is truly inspirational, and the ACT Government is proud to support them as they develop their skills,” Minister Paterson said.
“The Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grants are all about encouraging and uplifting these amazing young people, by helping to alleviate the costs associated with professional development."
The grants have been running since 2007 and are named after Audrey Fagan, who was the first female Chief of Police ACT, and who was instrumental in mentoring girls and women in the community, and in the ACT and Australian Federal Police.
The Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grant Program is administered by the ACT Office for Women in the Health and Community Services Directorate. More information about the grant program is available at: Funding for girls, non-binary and gender diverse young people to achieve their goals - ACT Government
Quote attributed to Audrey Fagan Enrichment Grant recipient, Ella Jalkanen:
“This grant is helping to fund my auditions for a possible career in classical ballet – it helps pay for accommodation and fees. It’s really helped me as my final stepping stone towards a possible career in dance.
“I hope to be part of a ballet company either within the next three or four years to make a career. It’s always been something I wanted to do, since I was two. My Mum put me in dance, and I fell in love with it. It’s wonderful that I can have the possibility to do it as a career.”
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases