Applications are now open for grants to support Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake activities that foster links between community, country and culture.
The Connecting to Country program provides grants of up to $25,000 to support the sharing of knowledge between generations, to preserve culture and strengthen communities.
The program intends to improve understanding of country, ancestry, and kinship, in addition to promoting positive mental health, wellbeing, and resilience through community-led cultural healing projects.
The grants program forms part of the State Government's Commitment to Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing, a comprehensive response to the State Coroner's Inquest into the deaths of 13 children and young people in the Kimberley, and Learnings from the Message Stick report into Aboriginal youth suicide.
Eligible applicants can use the grants to help cover the costs for:
- travel expenses;
- equipment hire;
- specialist services;
- documentation; or
- any other costs associated with the project.
Applications for the grants close at 4pm on 8 December 2022, for activities starting after 1 May 2023.
Connecting to Country is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. For more information, visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/connecting-to-country.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The State Government's Connecting to Country grants support the sharing of cultural knowledge between generations, helping to preserve Aboriginal language, stories, and dance.
"Western Australia is home to diverse and varied Aboriginal communities, and it is important they have every opportunity to share their rich culture, arts, language, and history so it can live on for future generations."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"Connecting to Country grants support Aboriginal people to have autonomy in leading initiatives that will strengthen their individual communities and culture.
"I encourage eligible individuals, groups, and organisations to apply for funding for their projects.
"Sharing knowledge and recognising cultural leadership, plus contributing to community mental health and wellbeing all helps to ensure that Western Australia's rich Aboriginal heritage is preserved and recognised."
