Wilson Endowing Fund

Wilson Academic Bursary Guidelines 2026-27

Closing Soon!

The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society (EGHS) is pleased to offer the Wilson Academic Bursary, valued at up to $2,000 (including GST for ABN holders), to support research into and the recording of the history of the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. The Wilson Academic Bursary has been named after Life Member of the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society, W. Scott Wilson and his wife Maria, who endowed the money for this research.

Purpose - The Wilson Academic Bursary aims to encourage new, high quality research which will contribute to the understanding of the history and heritage of the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.

Recipient obligations

The successful recipient will be expected to:

  • Undertake research into a previously unexplored aspect of Eastern Goldfields history or heritage, or present a new perspective on existing research.
  • Produce a high-quality, fully referenced written work.
  • Submit a final manuscript of no fewer than 15,000 words (format negotiable with the Committee).
  • Ensure the completed research is made publicly accessible, including through the EGHS Library.
  • Acknowledge the support of the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society in the final publication.

Photographs and/or sketches are encouraged where they enhance the final work. The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society does not provide images free of charge under this bursary. Any use of images from the EGHS collection will be subject to the Society’s standard fees and charges. Reproduction fees and conditions also apply.

The recipient will have 12 months to complete the project. Payment will be made in instalments, or at the discretion of the EGHS Committee.

Bursaries are available up to the value of $2,000 per year. The final amount awarded and paid will be determined by the Committee and is non-negotiable.

Eligibility

A wide range of applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications from community members, students, local historians, academics or individuals interested in Goldfields history will be considered.

Selection criteria

The Proposal must:

  • Demonstrate originality and scholarly merit
  • Be intrinsically connected to the Eastern Goldfields
  • Present new research or a new interpretation of existing research
  • Confirm that the work is original and has not been previously published or submitted for publication elsewhere

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  1. A completed Eastern Goldfields Historical Society Bursary Application Form
  2. A 250-word research proposal
  3. A current Curriculum Vitae

Successful applicants will be required to submit a written progress report by 31 January 2027, outlining the status and development of the project.

Key Dates

  • Applications open: 1 April 2026
  • Applications close: 31 May 2026
  • Applicants notified by: 30 June 2026

Submission Details

Applications may be emailed or posted to:

Executive Officer
Eastern Goldfields Historical Society
Email: eo@kalgoorliehistory.org.au
Post: PO Box 643, Kalgoorlie WA 6430

 

Wilson Academic Bursary Guidelines 2026-27

Wilson Academic Bursary Application Form

 

Wilson Endowing Fund - Publishing Grant Guidelines 
 
The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society invites applications for grants of $1,000 towards publishing research dealing with significant new Goldfields heritage research, not limited to book publishing but can include – digital media, oral histories, blog sites, webpages, podcasts etc.  
 
Purpose - The Wilson Endowing Fund Publishing Grant aims to encourage new, high quality research which will contribute to the understanding of the history and heritage of the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.  
 
Recipient obligations - The successful recipient is expected to undertake research into a previously unexplored aspect of Eastern Goldfields’ history or heritage. Conditions of the bursary require the findings are made publicly accessible, including via the EGHS library, on completion. Recognition of support from the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society is required in the final product. The research must result in a high-quality piece of writing, including referencing. The format of the final piece is negotiable, but is expected to take the form of a manuscript of at least 15 000 words. Photographs and/or sketches are encouraged, if they enhance the final product. 
 
The applicant will have 12 months to complete the project. Bursaries are available up to the value of $1000 per year, with the total amount payable being at the discretion of the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society Committee. 
 
Applications are invited all year round and all applicants will be notified on their success. Works of unsuccessful applicants will be returned and no copy will be retained by the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society.  
 
Eligibility - A wide range of applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications from community members, students, local historians, academics or individuals interested in Goldfields history will be considered. 
 
Selection criteria - Proposals must be focused on new research or a new perspective on past research, intrinsically connected to the Eastern Goldfields. Confirmation is also required that the piece is original, and not published elsewhere, or submitted for another publication. 
 
Applications - Applicants must complete the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society Bursary Application Form. A research proposal of 250 words and Curriculum Vitae must accompany the bursary application form. Applications can be emailed or posted to the attention of the Executive Officer: 
eo@kalgoorliehistory.org.au; or Eastern Goldfields Historical Society, PO Box 643, Kalgoorlie, 6430. 
 
The Wilson Academic Bursary has been named after Life Member of the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society, W. Scott Wilson and his wife Maria, who endowed the money for this research. 
 
Wilson Endowing Fund - Publishing Grant Guidelines and Application