Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins today visited the Western Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Collective to announce that applications for grants of up to $1.6 million are now open.
The grants support Aboriginal organisations to build new functional and accessible infrastructure, or to repair, renovate or expand existing infrastructure – ensuring they can continue to deliver the services their communities need.
The Program supports Aboriginal self-determination – because the best outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal people drive the decisions about their own lives, communities and futures.
Organisations previously supported through the program include the Koorie Heritage Trust, which received $1.6 million to expand their First Peoples arts and cultural centre at Fed Square – providing opportunities for all to learn, connect and appreciate the rich, living cultural heritage of First Peoples in Victoria.
The Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative in Geelong also received $1.6 million for the development of the
Healing Spirit Youth Hub: Karroung Kanyool, a fit-for-purpose, culturally safe space for children and young people to gather and access clinical and social and emotional wellbeing services.
The Yitjawudik Men’s Recovery Centre in Hume, a communal facility delivering alcohol and other drug services to Aboriginal men, was also supported through the program, with Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation
receiving $1.6 million to develop a new facility at the centre.
Since 2018, the program has delivered almost $39 million for Aboriginal organisations to create fit-for-purpose buildings and enhance culturally responsive services to improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians.
Applications are open until 2pm, Monday 22 April 2024. Full funding guidelines are available here, firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program.
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
“The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program has supported Aboriginal organisations to upgrade and expand their facilities so they can deliver the essential services their communities need since 2018.”
“We invite applications from eligible Aboriginal organisations so we can best support them and their communities to thrive.”
