Kelvin Trimper Scholarship

Who was Kelvin Trimper?

Kelvin Trimper, AM, was an urban development manager and leading South Australian horticulturist who, at his passing, was an important consumer advocate for SA Power Networks customers.

Kelvin played a notable role in supporting SA Power Networks to engage with communities across South Australia and giving consumers a real voice through his role as Deputy Chair of their Community Advisory Board and Chair of the Reset sub-committee. Kelvin was a dedicated member of SA Power Networks' customer and community reference groups over many years and was highly regarded and respected by all. He gave thousands of hours to influencing better outcomes for customers and the community and is hugely missed by those who worked with him.

Outside of SA Power Networks, Kelvin was an internationally respected rose expert, garden and horticulture writer and media personality. He was the recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia award, the Gold Medal of the World Federation of Rose Societies, the Australian Rose Award and was a Fellow of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, and of the University of South Australia. 

Kelvin passed away on 7 January 2024. To honour his memory, SA Power Networks, in partnership with Energy Consumers Australia, has created this scholarship in his name. 

About the Scholarship

A Scholarship is available for up to $10,000 to build knowledge and/or improve access to programs or initiatives that will achieve improved consumer outcomes, in a dynamic and changing Australian energy market. 

Read the scholarship guidelines (PDF, 193.86KB)

How to apply

Applications for the Kelvin Trimper Scholarship 2026 open 8 September 2025 and close on 9 November 2025.  The winner will be announced at Energy Consumers Australia’s Foresighting Forum on 4-6 March 2026. 

Apply for the 2026 Scholarship

Activities supported through the Scholarship

The Kelvin Trimper scholar will work with industry and key customer advocates to identify opportunities to improve customer outcomes.

The type of activities could include:

• Researching specific programs or initiatives that could improve customer outcomes.
• Delivering and evaluating the outcomes of a pilot program or initiative.
• Training to improve customer engagement and advocacy skills.
• Attending a relevant conference.
• Research project that will deliver consumer benefits.
• Other initiatives which build consumer capability and advocacy skills. 

Following completion of the scholarship, the recipient will undertake:

• A webinar to communicate the key learnings and insights gained through the grant.
• Meetings with relevant consumer groups/industry/government officials to promote the learnings.
• Speaking engagements including a presentation to SA Power Networks executive team and Community Advisory Forum.

Who can apply

Individuals or organisations that meet one of the following criteria can apply:

• Individuals who are Australian citizens, 18 years of age or older.
• A registered charity or not for profit organisation, or a registered ‘for purpose’ organisation within Australia

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the anticipated impact of the funded activity, including:

• A focus on delivering improved outcomes for customers.
• Applicability of the initiative to South Australia or the National Electricity Market.
• The number of customers that would benefit from the knowledge and diversity of these consumers.
• Alignment with the priorities of SA Power Networks and Energy Consumers Australia. 

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the key issues in the Australian energy sector and an interest in driving positive consumer outcomes. 

Apply here

This scholarship has been created in partnership with SA Power Networks.