A grant program opening soon will support Western Australian Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake trips to renew links between community, Country and culture.
Connecting to Country provides grants up to $25,000 for a wide range of activities that foster the transfer of knowledge between generations, preservation of culture and strengthening of communities.
This may include activities that improve understanding of Country, ancestry and kinship; to activities that promote positive mental health, wellbeing and resilience through community-led cultural healing projects.
The funding may support costs such as travel, equipment hire, specialist services, documentation or other costs associated with the project.
Applications open on October 13, 2020 and close on November 10, 2020.
Connecting to Country is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Western Australia is home to diverse and varied Aboriginal communities, cultures and stories.
“Connecting to Country will support the sharing of cultural knowledge and skills between generations, such as through the preservation of language, stories and dance.
“It will support leadership development for young Aboriginal people, contribute to stronger community mental health and wellbeing, and promote traditional ways of maintaining cultural knowledge.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
“Connecting to Country will deliver benefits for Aboriginal communities – particularly young Aboriginal people – across the State.
“The funded activities will strengthen the connections Aboriginal people have to their culture, language and Country – connections that are known to be a crucial component of Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing.
“Importantly, the program also supports Aboriginal people to have autonomy in leading initiatives that will strengthen their individual communities and culture.”
Culture and the Arts Minister’s office – 6552 5400
