The Australian Academy of Science diversity and inclusion grants are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2025.

The Childminding Assistance grant aims to support parents and guardians by covering the cost of private childminding services for the duration of their attendance at Science at the Shine Dome 2025, allowing the parent/caregiver to fully engage in the event.

Parents/Guardians can choose to source their own babysitter or for the Academy to source this service on their behalf. 

This grant will cover childminding costs on days the parent/guardian is registered to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2025, up to a maximum of four (4) days between Monday 1 - Thursday 4 September 2025. Any care arrangements outside of these dates will not be reimbursed. 

The Academy will endeavour to support as many applications as possible, and applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Once the available grant funding is exhausted, the application portal will close and any incomplete or unsubmitted applications will not be accepted. 

Please note: 

• Parents/guardians are welcome to bring dependent children with them to the event. Additional caregivers are also welcome to attend the event, if preferred. Please contact us to discuss options, such as apartment-style accommodation for families. 
• Those breastfeeding are welcome to breastfeed anywhere at the event, and a quiet room will be available if privacy is preferred. Kitchen facilities can be made available for parents, if required. 

Applications will be eligibility checked, and where eligible, approval will be advised within a fortnight of submission or by 5.00pm Monday 25 August - whichever is sooner. 
To be considered an eligible application, applicants must:

• Be registered attendees of Science at the Shine Dome 2025;
• Complete the below Childminding application form.

Terms of the grant are below, and acceptance is required at time of application submission:  

• Grants can only be used to cover childminding expenses approved in the application;  
• Successful applicants must notify the Academy immediately if there is a change in circumstances that will prevent them from attending and/or engaging in the event;  
• Wherever possible, steps should be taken to mitigate the risk of loss of funds through cancelled arrangements and any unspent funds must be returned to the Academy; and
• Successful applicants are asked to complete a survey after the event to provide feedback on the suitability of the grants.  

If an application for Childminding Assistance is declined for any reason, including ineligibility, any pre-paid registration fees to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2025 can be fully refunded by written request to events@science.org.au. 

If you have any queries before submitting your application, please email events@science.org.au. 

Please proceed to the next page to enter your contact information. 

Please proceed to the next page to enter your childminding requirements. 

Please proceed to the next page to view the application terms. 

As the primary contact for the child noted in this form, I understand that:  

• I am applying to source my own babysitter, for reimbursement by the Academy.
• I will be responsible for sourcing and booking a babysitter to care for my child during Science at the Shine Dome 2025.
• This grant will cover childminding costs on days the parent/guardian is registered to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2025, up to a maximum of four (4) days between Monday 1 - Thursday 4 September 2025. Any care arrangements outside of these dates will not be reimbursed.
• Payment to the above-mentioned babysitter will be processed upon receipt of an invoice with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN). The Academy is unable to make cash payments. The payment procedure is as follows:
  • If the babysitter requires an upfront payment, the Academy of Science can pay 30% of estimated fees, upon receipt of an invoice containing a valid ABN. This invoice must be received by Wednesday 27 August 2025.
  • After the event, the Academy will pay a final invoice for total babysitting fees (minus any upfront fees paid), upon receipt of an invoice containing a valid ABN. This invoice can be received on or after Thursday 4 September 2025.

As the primary contact for the child noted in this form, I understand that:  

• I am applying for the Academy to arrange a babysitter on my behalf.
• After receiving my application, the Academy of Science will contact me for further details relating to my child’s specific care requirements.
• This grant will cover childminding costs on days the parent/guardian is registered to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2025, up to a maximum of four (4) days between Monday 1 - Thursday 4 September 2025. Any care arrangements outside of these dates will not be reimbursed.
• The Academy of Science will take care to ensure an experienced babysitter is sourced, and will verify their credentials including police checks, relevant Working with Children Checks (WWCC) and reference checks. I will be responsible for making any additional inquiries into the babysitter’s suitability.
• The Academy of Science will introduce me to the chosen babysitter prior to the event. I will be responsible for discussing my child’s needs, preferences, routines, and any other relevant details to ensure suitable and effective care.
• If I require a hotel room booking, the Academy of Science will make reasonable efforts to ensure the room contains appropriate facilities, such as additional bedding and kitchen facilities suitable for childminding.
• Childminding will take place at my hotel room. I will be required to grant the babysitter access each day to access kitchen, bathroom and bedding facilities for the care of my child. 
• I will be responsible for providing all necessary items for my child during my stay, including food, nappies, wipes, clothing, toys, comfort items, pram/stroller, and any other essential items. If I require the babysitter to assist with purchasing food, I understand this will be at my own expense and I will provide them with clear instructions.  
• The Australian Academy of Science and/or the babysitter reserve the right to refuse care if the child’s needs exceed the babysitter’s capacity, such as requiring medication administration or specialised care. If specialist care is required, I will notify the Academy and/or the babysitter immediately.
• The Australian Academy of Science and/or the babysitter reserve the right to refuse care if the child is ill or presents symptoms of an infectious disease.
• At the time of completing this Childminding Request Form, I understand I must provide current and up-to-date immunisation records for each child requiring care.
• For older children who may benefit from activities outside of the hotel room, such arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis with prior approval from the parent or caregiver.
• A separate application form must be submitted per child. 

Please click 'submit' to submit your application.