Recipients announced for mediation training scholarship

Four young Queenslanders will have the opportunity to gain expert skills and knowledge needed to start a career in mediation after being selected for the 2019 Jack Cranstoun mediation training scholarship.

The Jack Cranstoun Scholarship was established by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General in 2015 in memory of a much-loved member of the Dispute Resolution Branch who passed away in 2014.

The scholarship is now in its fifth year and offers budding mediators the opportunity to be trained in mediation and assessed for National Mediator Accreditation.

The winners were officially announced by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath at a ceremony at the Brisbane Supreme Court library today.

The recipients of this year’s scholarship were Alma Ball and Jack Kruger from Brisbane, Jodie Woodward from Townsville, and William Sterling from Cairns.

Mrs D’Ath said it was great to see these young people take an interest in mediation.

“Mediators provide an invaluable service for Queenslanders in helping to settle disputes,” she said.

“They help people resolve disputes and reach a mutually agreed solution without going to court.”

Brisbane Police Liaison Officer Alma Ball said she was honoured to be selected for the scholarship.

“My keen interest in this scholarship stems from my experience working with communities across a range of cultures, my deep interest and enthusiasm in alternative dispute resolution processes,” Ms Ball said.

“I am also keen to build on my academic and professional training in law, justice and international studies, and an enduring commitment to building and sustaining relationships and networks among diverse stakeholders.

“I am delighted that this scholarship offers me an excellent prospect for career development, and a stronger platform through which my competence can be productively utilised in the future.”

Dispute Resolution Training Manager Janet Barnes said the scholarship gave recipients the skills and knowledge needed to start their career in mediation, as well as providing a valuable networking opportunity.

“Through the scholarship, the participants will undertake two interactive mediation courses run by Dispute Resolution Branch mediators,” she said.

“The opportunity to work with experienced mediators in the Dispute Resolution Branch will be invaluable.”

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