Travel Support Program
guidelines and eligibility criteria
Trade Mission Travel Support Program overview
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is offering a Travel Support Program to
young professionals who would like to build their exposure to international agriculture markets.
The Travel Support Program gives two young professionals the opportunity to attend a Victorian
Government led Super Trade Mission, or an agriculture trade mission, coordinated by DEPI. The Travel
Support Program provides up to $5,000 in funding support for a young professional to accompany a
delegation on an international trade mission. All itineraries, travel arrangements and bookings are
coordinated by DEPI. Any expenses incurred above the $5,000 in travel support, is the responsibility of
the individual.
Growing export markets is one of the four pillars of the Victorian Government’s economic reform
agenda. DEPI supports industry in accessing international export markets through the Victorian
Government International Engagement Strategy Super Trade Missions Program, as well as targeted,
department led agriculture trade missions.
The Victorian Government is also committed to supporting the next generation of food and fibre
producers. DEPI coordinates specific initiatives that assist our young food and fibre professionals. This
supports includes the Grow Your Food and Fibre Career initiative; helping young professionals expanding
their agriculture knowledge, both here and overseas.
Who can enter?
The Travel Support Program is open to all financial members of the Young Agribusiness Professionals
and the Victorian Young Farmers that are over 18 years of age. If you are a young professional not
currently a member of either group, you can join through the respective websites.
No formal qualifications are required but you do need to be working in primary industries (on-farm or
agribusiness). You must already retain, or have the capacity to obtain, a valid passport for overseas
travel.
All applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria in the application form provided on
the DEPI website.
Travel Support Program guidelines and eligibility criteria
What does the travel support cover?
The $5,000 in travel support will be used to book flights, accommodation and other logistical support.
All travel arrangements will be made by DEPI. Any expenses incurred while on the trade mission can be
claimed back from DEPI, as long as it is within the $5,000 cap. All expenses following exhaustion of the
$5,000 in travel support will need to be covered by the individual.
Australian Taxation Office maximum rates for spending on meals and incidentals while overseas should
be observed wherever possible.
How do I apply?
You need to complete the official application form, addressing each of the three selection criteria and
include the name and details of two referees. Referees will only be contacted if your application makes
it to the final round. Address your application to DEPI Young Farmer Coordinator and email, post or fax
your entry to:
Address: Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Private Bag 1, Ferguson Rd, Tatura Vic
3616
Email: Trade.Investment@depi.vic.gov.au
Fax: (03) 58335299
What is the process and schedule?
Young professionals will have two weeks to submit their application. Applications close at 5pm on 26th
August 2014. You will be notified of receipt of your application by email. Please ensure you include an
email address on your application form.
Applicants will then be short-listed and the successful candidate selected by an independent panel. All
applicants will be notified of the outcomes in writing. All decisions of the selection panel are final.
Your responsibilities to DEPI
The successful applicant will need to sign a contract with DEPI and at the conclusion of their
participation in the trade mission, will need to submit a report on their experience: what they learnt and
how they plan to use/share their new skills and knowledge. A template will be provided as guidance.
DEPI will seek reimbursement of the financial support if the report is not submitted.
The successful applicant is also required to produce an article outlining their experience for the DEPI
website. This can take either written or video form.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries Melbourne, April 2014
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries Melbourne 2014
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Accessibility
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format,
please telephone DEPI Customer Service Centre 136 186, email
customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au (or relevant address), via the National
Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au This document is
also available in on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its
employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind
or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims
all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.depi.vic.gov.au
Travel Support Program guidelines and eligibility criteria
The successful applicant is invited to help develop the Travel Support Program for future government
led trade missions. This may include providing advice to refine the applications process and being a
member of the selection panel.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries Melbourne, April 2014
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries Melbourne 2014
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Accessibility
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format,
please telephone DEPI Customer Service Centre 136 186, email
customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au (or relevant address), via the National
Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au This document is
also available in on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its
employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind
or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims
all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.depi.vic.gov.au