Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund application deadline extended

Aboriginal communities are being given extra time to apply for funding to build upon or create new initiatives to support fisheries-related cultural and commercial activities, Deputy Director General, NSW DPI Fisheries, Sean Sloan, said today.

The deadline for applications for the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund has been extended by eight weeks until 24 August 2022.

“The Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund is designed to encourage Aboriginal people, businesses and community groups to maintain and protect cultural fishing and provide economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities,” Mr Sloan said.

“We want to ensure all Aboriginal communities in NSW have had a chance to apply for up to $500,000 worth of grants and loans on offer for eligible projects.

“As a result, we’ve extended the deadline for applications.

“These can range from cultural workshops, and other fishing related activities including tourism operations as well as research, habitat restoration and stocking of culturally significant fish species, through to business training, commercial fishing operations and aquaculture ventures.

“The Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund assists with economic development opportunities and Aboriginal cultural tourism and education programs that promote and protect cultural fishing across NSW.”

Mr Sloan said last funding round the NSW Government awarded more than $300,000 in funding to Aboriginal communities under the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund, while since 2018, the Trust has provided more than $1 million to support 28 projects for Aboriginal communities with fishing related businesses and activities.

“I look forward to seeing the many new initiatives put forward under the latest round of Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund applications,” Mr Sloan said.

“The Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund is just one of many exciting initiatives the NSW Department of Primary Industries is delivering to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and to promote and support the creation of Aboriginal fishing businesses across the State.”

Applications for the 2021-22 Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund grants will now close at 5pm on 24 August 2022.

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