David Harris, New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, has announced the opening of applications for the Aboriginal Affairs 2024 NAIDOC Grants Program, encouraging community groups and organisations planning NAIDOC Week events to apply for funding support. With a total of $250,000 in funding available, grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 aim to facilitate and enhance the celebration of NAIDOC Week across the state. Funding Available for NAIDOC Week Events in NSW: Apply Now!
Community-driven initiatives, such as cultural events, workshops, performances, and educational activities, play a vital role in commemorating NAIDOC Week, fostering community engagement, and promoting Aboriginal culture and heritage. Businesses, councils, local Aboriginal Land Councils, and community groups are all eligible to apply for funding to support their NAIDOC Week events.
Latoya Brown, organizer of a NAIDOC Week surfing competition through the Moringa Aquacultural Aboriginal Corporation and North Maroubra Surf Riders, emphasized the importance of grant support in bringing cultural events to life. “The grant process was easy and provided much-needed support for the event to allow us to pay the dancers and provide cultural activities for the day for everyone to enjoy,” Brown explained.
Reflecting on the impact of previous grants, Brown highlighted the significance of NAIDOC Week events in bringing communities together and honoring Aboriginal surfers, community members, and Elders. “It was a day of gathering, sharing, and acknowledging those before us and everyone who attended,” she added.
In 2023, similar grants supported nearly 150 events across NSW, ranging from language sessions to tree planting initiatives. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud,’ underscores the resilience and strength of Aboriginal people, communities, and organizations in NSW.
Minister Harris emphasized the importance of NAIDOC Week as an opportunity for all Australians to learn more about the country’s First Nations peoples and their rich cultural heritage. “Aboriginal culture in NSW is something that we should all be proud of and celebrate together,” he affirmed, urging organizations to apply for grants to support NAIDOC Week 2024 celebrations in their communities.
Applications for NAIDOC Week grants close on April 12, providing ample time for organizations to plan and prepare their events. NAIDOC Week celebrations are scheduled to take place from July 7 to July 14, offering a week-long opportunity to honor, celebrate, and showcase the diverse cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of NAIDOC Week 2024 and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of cultural celebration and recognition in New South Wales. Apply for a grant today and help ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’ this NAIDOC Week.
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