Page 260 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 February 2016
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publication of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership book, a side by side, growing stronger together project, the W is for Wiradjuri project, funding for a Jerrabomberra wetlands bush tucker garden, funding for a documentary on local elder Aunty Agnes Shea, and funding for a Ngambri cultural camp. A total amount of
$48,000 was made available in the 2015-16 funding round. Individuals were able to apply for a grant of up to $3,000, and community organisations operating in the ACT could apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agreement identifies the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as a quality of life outcome. This year’s cultural grants will provide opportunities to strengthen this outcome by offering recipients support to connect through strong family, social and support networks.
In 2014-15, funding of $15,000 was offered to the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation to help mark significant annual cultural milestones and celebrations that support or showcase culture and traditions in 2014 and 2015. Past cultural grant rounds have supported an art and culture music festival, a family Reconciliation Day picnic at Namadgi national park and an Inanna Inc bridge the gap program.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Burch.
MS BURCH: Can the minister provide details of the outcomes of these grants for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders?
DR BOURKE: I have already advised the Assembly of some of the funding highlights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and cultural grants. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship program commenced in 2013-14 and 12 applications, totalling $41,729, were approved.
After more focused and effective communications, the second round of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships grant program attracted a total of 85 applications. This was the highest number of applications received in the history of the grants program. Total funding of $135,000 was awarded to 45 successful applicants.
The funding assisted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans to purchase computers and software, purchase equipment required for the workplace within rural Aboriginal communities, complete a bachelor of nursing degree, purchase trade tools for a carpentry apprenticeship, supplement funding to complete a year 12 internship, complete a diploma in massage therapy at CIT, complete a certificate IV in project management practice and attend the world Indigenous peoples conference.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships grant program goes a long way to fulfilling the ACT government’s commitment to improving the outcomes for ACT and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and I will look forward to advising the Assembly on further work in this portfolio area.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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