- Recipients of the 2022/23 Aboriginal Youth Empowerment Grants program announced
- $275,000 of State Government funding to support organisations working with young Aboriginal people
- Organisations awarded grants of up to $25,000 to help grow representation, engagement, and participation with decision-making for young Aboriginal people
Thirteen organisations that work with young Aboriginal people in Western Australia have received a funding boost through the State Government’s Aboriginal Youth Empowerment Grants program.
The program, administered by the Youth Affairs Council of WA (YACWA), aims to support initiatives that elevate the voice of young Aboriginal people aged 10-25 through increased representation, engagement and participation with decision-making.
YACWA, in partnership with the Department of Communities, has awarded grants of up to $25,000 to a range of projects, including on country programs, a community garden and leadership programs.
The standard of applications was high, with the funding being peer-assessed by a panel comprising of a mix of young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, alongside a selection of long-term youth workers.
As stated by Youth Minister Simone McGurk:
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting young Aboriginal people to develop and grow in their communities.
“These organisations deliver some fabulous youth engagement initiatives, particularly in the regions.
“This funding program will support these organisations who have great ideas for supporting young Aboriginal people in their communities, but just need a little help to get them off the ground.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
“I’m delighted that our Government can support these important grass-roots programs that can deliver real benefits to young Aboriginal people.
“These initiatives align with the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy in a range of ways, such as supporting Aboriginal led solutions, promoting respect for Aboriginal people and expanding economic opportunities.
“Congratulations to the recipients and I look forward to seeing these important initiatives come to life.”
| Organisation | Project name | Region | Funded amount |
| Albany Aboriginal Corporation | Aboriginal Youth Stand Strong and Proud | Great Southern | $25,000 |
| Marra Worra Worra | Safe People Safe Places | Kimberley | $25,000 |
| Gorenang Moortabiin | Youth Cultural Governance Project | Great Southern | $19,700 |
| Kaata-Koorliny Employment & Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation | Empowering Aboriginal Youth in Narrogin | Wheatbelt | $20,000 |
| Accordwest | Aboriginal Young People Healing, Reconnection, Belonging, Life Skills & Resilience Building | South West | $25,000 |
| The Family Planning Association of WA | Yarning on Country: Youth Empowerment Camp | Kimberley | $24,900 |
| Koordak Aboriginal Corporation | Koordak Unified Goals | Ellenbrook | $25,000 |
| Sister Kate’s Home Kids Aboriginal Corporation | Deadly Doodjarak (Doodjarak – Noongar for ‘song’) | Perth | $13,050 |
| Djimbarl Aboriginal Corporation | Bilya Koodjal-Koodjal (4 Rivers) Youth Heritage Project | South West | $12,000 |
| Albany Youth Support Association | Tambellup Community Garden | Great Southern | $24,597 |
| Winjan Aboriginal Corporation | Winjan Youth Board | Peel | $20,000 |
| Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation | On Country Youth Leadership Program. | Mid West | $23,100 |
| Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation | Be a Champ! | Pilbara | $16,109 |
