The Minns Labor Government is investing $7 million in a landmark social impact investment to empower First Nations girls in primary and secondary schools across Armidale, Uralla, and the Nambucca Valley.
The initiative supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 4 to 9, strengthening their engagement with school and deepening their cultural identity during the important transition from primary to secondary school.
School engagement is the foundation for lifelong success. By fostering cultural identity and confidence, this program supports First Nations girls to thrive academically and personally, creating pathways to future education, careers and leadership.
The Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Treasury have partnered with Aboriginal organisations Murawin and Jaanymili Bawrrungga to deliver this initiative. The programs aim to:
- Strengthen school engagement, particularly in the transition from primary to secondary school,
- Deepen cultural identity and community connections,
- Raise aspirations for education and careers, and
- Boost confidence and empower the next generation of First Nations leaders.
Partnering with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal businesses ensures the programs are culturally appropriate, drawing on the lived experience of local community members and reflecting their values and priorities.
This partnership will deliver outcome-based programs that provide holistic support tailored to the unique experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, fostering long-term equity and opportunity.
Social impact investment is a form of impact investing that provides government with a different approach to addressing social issues in collaboration with the for-purpose (not-for-profit, social enterprises, philanthropy) and for-profit sectors (private investors), through a focus on outcomes.
More information is available on the NSW Government's Office of Social Impact Investment website.
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:
"Strengthening engagement with school is a powerful way of improving outcomes for Aboriginal girls - by investing today we are laying the foundations for brighter futures. We want Aboriginal girls to be strong, belong and fulfill all their incredible potential, our partnership with Aboriginal communities is critical to making it happen."
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:
"The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, is committed to increasing Aboriginal children's access to high quality education.
"This investment will make a real difference to First Nations girls, their families and their communities.
"This initiative reflects our commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of Aboriginal communities - and that starts with education."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"This is about walking alongside Aboriginal communities - not just funding programs, but investing in community partnerships. This initiative supports Aboriginal organisations to deliver community-driven solutions that leaves lasting impact for educational and cultural strength and economic independence.
"We know there are better education and overall outcomes for communities when Aboriginal organisations lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives in partnership with NSW Government, and this program is an excellent example of that."
Murawin CEO Carol Vale said:
"At Murawin we're ecstatic that the NSW Government has chosen to invest in the futures of First Nations girls in the Armidale, Uralla and Guyra regions. Kicking off from term 1 in 2026, Young Tiddas on Country will walk alongside a group of First Nations girls from years 4 - 7, supporting their education, their cultural knowledge and participation and their wellbeing.
"This program is personal, as these girls stories and realities reflect my own upbringing on the mission in Armidale and I am beyond excited for the program, because it is run by local community, for the local community."
Find more information on Murawin
Jaanymili Bawrrungga President Michelle Jarrett said:
"The Gumbaynggirr Nyami Academy is about walking alongside our young girls and nurturing them to grow strong in who they are. As a community-led program, it creates a culturally safe space where our girls can learn, be heard, and build confidence in their identity, culture, and future pathways.
"This program reflects our responsibility as Elders and leaders to invest in the next generation and ensure they are supported, respected, and empowered to thrive."
Find more information on Jaanymili Bawrrungga
