Aboriginal communities are invited to apply for the 2021-22 Preserve, Promote and Protect our Aboriginal Sites grants program to protect registered heritage sites with applications opening today.
A total of $250,000 in grants funding is available for the management, promotion and safekeeping of registered Aboriginal heritage sites in Western Australia.
The program is part of the State Government's commitment to supporting Aboriginal people in managing their unique cultural heritage.
Incorporated Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations throughout Western Australia can apply for grants of up to $30,000 for 'on-the-ground' works including the remediation of burial sites, fence and signage installation, and promotion of cultural information.
To be eligible for funding, a project must include a site registered on the Register of Aboriginal Places and Objects.
The previous 2020-21 funding round awarded a total of $200,000 to diverse heritage projects, providing preservation, promotion and protection of Western Australia's invaluable Aboriginal heritage and committing to opportunities for truth-telling, reconciliation and cultural tourism.
The grants program is administered by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. More information is available at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/preserving-aboriginal-sites-grants-program or by phoning (08) 6551 7920. Applications close on October 15, 2021.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
"These grants assist in preserving the stories of our Aboriginal culture and longstanding history that makes up this wonderful State.
"Last year's funding round awarded a total of $200,000 to 10 Aboriginal organisations to undertake diverse heritage projects such as complex site restorations, protection of ancient rock art and Aboriginal graves, storytelling through interpretive signage and on-the-ground land management and maintenance.
"The grants help to foster economic development in local communities, by creating tourism, building local skills and training opportunities through the various projects and traditional methodologies employed to protect and preserve cultural heritage sites.
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting the economic and cultural development of Aboriginal people and ensuring their history can be protected and shared for future generations.
"Maintaining connection to country and cultural heritage is a fantastic way to deliver benefits for Aboriginal communities and reflects our ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap.
"I strongly encourage Aboriginal organisations to step forward and apply to ensure their cultural heritage is protected for the benefit of all Australians."
