Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today that $100,000 has been allocated to the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) to support on-country camps and activities for youth in the Fitzroy Valley.
The ‘Yiriman Project: Reorienting Diversion through Culture’ is a result of collaboration between Nyikina, Mangala, Karajarri and Walmajarri people in the Kimberley, to assist young Aboriginal people to reconnect with their culture in a remote and culturally significant place.
The project aims to reinforce and celebrate cultural identity, while providing indigenous youth the opportunity to strengthen cultural knowledge and relationships.
The funding comes on top of $660,000 already allocated through round one of the Kimberley Community Action Fund (KCAF), which is part of the McGowan Government’s $40.4 million investment in juvenile justice and wellbeing projects in the Kimberley.
KCAF funding supports projects – ranging from physical building security and improved lighting, to innovative ways of engaging families to keep kids safe and off the streets at night.
A second round of KCAF grants totalling up to $1 million will be offered in 2023.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“We know that kids who are strongly engaged with Aboriginal cultural programs are more likely to have positive education and developmental outcomes, and less likely to fall into patterns of criminal offending.
“We are very pleased to back the efforts of KALACC, one of the Kimberley’s leading Aboriginal bodies, to deliver more on-country cultural activities for young people at risk.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“Thank you to Minister MacTiernan for supporting this fantastic project running on-country camps and cultural activities for our young people in the Kimberley.
“The McGowan Government is committed to working with the community to break the cycle of youth offending in the region.”
