- Grants of up to $50,000 available to eligible Aboriginal organisations
- Funding supports practical, Aboriginal-led heritage projects on Country
- Applications close 22 February 2027
Aboriginal organisations across Western Australia are invited to apply for a share of $1.25 million in funding to protect culturally significant places, care for Country and ensure cultural knowledge is preserved for future generations.
The Cook Labor Government's Preserve, Promote and Protect our Aboriginal Sites program offers grants of up to $50,000 for practical, Aboriginal-led projects that safeguard cultural heritage while strengthening local leadership and cultural connection.
The program supports communities to actively care for places of cultural significance and create opportunities for Elders and Traditional Owners to pass on knowledge, language and cultural practices to future generations.
Funding is available for a range of on-ground activities, including fencing culturally sensitive areas, managing vegetation and invasive species, erosion control, site clean-ups, track maintenance, and the installation of cultural and interpretive signage.
A recent project delivered by Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation used Preserve, Promote and Protect funding to install permanent interpretive signage at Driller's Hole and Wuyumarri (Gregory's Gorge). Featuring Yindjibarndi language and cultural information, the signs help visitors and community members better understand the cultural significance of these important places.
Grants can also support site mapping and documentation projects, as well as consultation trips that enable Elders and Traditional Owners to share cultural knowledge and guide the ongoing management of heritage places.
Funding is available for registered Aboriginal sites and cultural heritage places that have been lodged for assessment and are awaiting registration.
Since 2014, the State Government has invested more than $5.5 million through the Preserve, Promote and Protect program, supporting Aboriginal communities across Western Australia to conserve, celebrate and strengthen their cultural heritage.
Applications close at 12pm on Monday, 22 February 2027.
For eligibility requirements, program guidelines and application details, visit www.wa.gov.au/grants-preserve-and-protect-aboriginal-sites
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"Aboriginal cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past. It is about strengthening culture, identity and connection to Country for future generations.
"That is why the Cook Labor Government is investing in Aboriginal-led projects that protect significant cultural places, support Traditional Owners and keep cultural knowledge strong and alive.
"These grants empower communities to lead the care and management of places that hold deep cultural significance while ensuring knowledge and traditions continue to be shared with younger generations.
"I encourage Aboriginal organisations across Western Australia to seize this opportunity and deliver projects that will create lasting cultural, community and heritage outcomes for years to come."
