Released 11/12/2023
The ACT Government is providing grants for cultural activities and events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support healing and reconciliation following the national referendum for a First Nations Voice to the Parliament.
The ACT Government is providing grants for cultural activities and events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support healing and reconciliation following the national referendum for a First Nations Voice to the Parliament.
Grant applications open today, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups in the ACT are encouraged to apply.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said, “The ACT stood out in the referendum as the only Australian state or territory that voted ‘yes’ to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
“We are proud that Canberrans yet again showed that we are the most inclusive and progressive jurisdiction in Australia.
“While we can celebrate this, we know that both the process and result of that referendum affected people across our community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous allies.
“As national healing continues, the ACT Government is supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to come together through activities and events focused on local healing and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
“These events can take place any time up to and including Sunday 31 March 2024, recognising that the period around 26 January can also be a difficult time for First Nations people and communities.”
A total of $200,000 is available to support these healing activities. This funding will come from the Healing and Reconciliation Fund, a ten-year $20 million fund established by the ACT Government to support its commitment to reconciliation and Closing the Gap.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be available to organisations and incorporated groups in the ACT for activities that support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contribute to building respectful, fair and sustainable communities – with some flexibility for larger grants to be considered.
For more information about the grants and how to apply, organisations should visit: www.act.gov.au/money-and-tax/grants-funding-and-incentives/funding-to-promote-healing-and-reconciliation-in-the-act
Applications will be assessed as they are received and close on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
This initiative reflects the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to working in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB), the ACT Reconciliation Council and the wider community to bring people together in the spirit of reconciliation.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases