Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and cultures


Released 27/09/2019

Applications are now open for the 2019-20 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants Program.  A total of $220,000 is available to encourage and support ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to undertake cultural learning, study and leadership training.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said revisions have been made to the 2019-20 Grants Program to encourage more individuals and organisations to apply.

"The ACT Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grants program support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to strengthen their cultural heritage, participate in lifelong learning and to support community leaders.

"To provide more support to individuals and organisations, we have extended the Grants Program to run for six months and increased the available funding.

"In previous years, these grants have assisted people studying courses from Cert IV up to Master's Degrees, attending conferences and study tours, and to provide cultural education to the wider community," says Minister Stephen-Smith.

The Grants Program consists of three components:

Leadership Grants: support the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028 (the Agreement) Core Focus Area of Community Leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision makers on issues that impact them and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.

Individuals can apply for up to $5.000 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000 (GST exclusive).

Scholarship Grants: support the Agreement Significant Focus Area of Life Long Learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences.

Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 (GST exclusive).

Cultural Grants: support the Agreement Core Focus Area of Cultural Integrity, where a society that supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair and sustainable communities.

Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) and organisations can apply for up to $10,000 (GST exclusive).

Applications close on Tuesday 31 March 2019 or until all funds are allocated.

For more information visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/atsia/recipients/2019-20-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-grants-program-guidelines

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Caitlin Cook

(02) 6207 8731

0434 702 827

caitlin.cook@act.gov.au


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