Reconciliation Day has become a significant date on the Canberra calendar. The Reconciliation Day Grants, which are now open, will support the community to organise events and activities which promote Reconciliation in the ACT.
The Reconciliation Day Grants provide funding for initiatives to be held in the lead-up to, during, or in support of the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday on 31 May 2021.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said, "Reconciliation Day is about sharing an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, reflecting on our shared history and acknowledging what needs to be done to build a better future. It is a day which recognises that Reconciliation should be part of everyone's story.
"While the pandemic continues to impact how we gather, it remains important that we find ways to come together in the spirit of Reconciliation. Grant applicants will be assessed according to
COVID-19 guidelines, and proposals will need to demonstrate that activities can be delivered safely.
"I look forward to seeing how the community will make use of the grants program to explore Reconciliation this year. I hope that Canberrans continue to embrace Australia's only Reconciliation Day Public Holiday with the enthusiasm and spirit we have seen in previous years."
The Reconciliation Day Grants Program supports community-organised events with a focus on:
- promoting understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the wider community;
- celebrating and raising the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the wider community;
- promoting understanding of past policies and historical events and their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- delivering opportunities for children, young people and elders to be involved and have the ability to participate in community events that promote Reconciliation; and
- developing seminars and/or panel discussions on the importance of Reconciliation for all Australians.
Jo Lesiputty, Director of whISPers Softball Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation said, "Our 2020 Reconciliation Community Grant supported the corporation to undertake an event that had a strong focus on healing, health and cultural identity and reconnection. The Reconciliation Softball carnival was a great weekend event, bringing together individuals, families and friends to be immersed in a fun environment full of softball participation, therapeutic art activities and healing of minds and body in the spirit of reconciliation on Ngunnawal country."
Individuals or organisations can apply for a Reconciliation Day Grant for an amount up to $5,000. Applications will close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
To apply or find more information go to www.strongfamilies.act.gov.au
