The Minns Labor Government is leading its Closing the Gap commitments through a $4 million targeted program delivering job and training opportunities for Aboriginal people across the state.
The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant is named in honour of the first Aboriginal woman to secure a pilot's licence and one of the original founders of several critical Aboriginal institutions such as the Aboriginal Medical and Legal services.
Last year, the grant created more than 300 positions, with 219 of these being school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
The grant gives employers the extra support needed to hire new staff, keep them in work, and help them build skills. It also helps cover wages and training costs for Aboriginal employees in government, local councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
Funding is available for a range of roles, including school-based traineeships, full-time jobs, and support for people finishing school or taking on adult apprenticeships. There's also funding to help upskill current Aboriginal staff or support part-time study.
The program is already changing lives. Korey Omeragic, who started a school-based traineeship in animal care, is now working as a Trainee Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
With support from the grant, Korey has gained practical skills and is working toward his goal of a long-term career in wildlife care.
As part of its ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap and strengthening Aboriginal employment outcomes, the Minns Labor Government continues to invest in targeted initiatives such as the Barranggirra Mentoring Program.
This initiative provides culturally appropriate wraparound support to Aboriginal learners in vocational training, and Opportunity Hubs, connecting Aboriginal students with tailored education, training, and employment pathways from school to work.
Applications are now open for the 2025/26 Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant. To find out more or apply by 30 September 2025, visit here.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"We know that when people are supported into work or training early, it sets them up for the future, and this program plays a big part in making that possible.
"We want a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities, and this grant helps deliver that by supporting more Aboriginal people into good, secure employment."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to working to continue to close the gap for Aboriginal people in NSW.
"Programs like this are an opportunity to bolster the employment of Aboriginal people and assist them in building new skills for their future.
"NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity."
Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant recipient Korey Omeragic said:
"My goal is to keep building a career at Taronga Zoo, both as a zookeeper and by working in community programs.
"I've been able to take on more responsibility in the Australian Birds Department and continue learning through my traineeship thanks to the Elsa Dixon Grant."
