Elevating the voices of young Aboriginal people will be the focus of a new grants program being funded by the McGowan Government.
Youth Minister Dave Kelly today announced that the Youth Affairs Council of WA (YACWA) would receive funding of $275,000 to deliver a new grants program to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and organisations specialising in the delivery of empowerment programs for Aboriginal youth.
Organisations will be able to apply for grants of between $2,000 and $25,000 towards projects and initiatives that elevate the voice of young Aboriginal people through greater representation, engagement and participation with decision-making.
Grants will be delivered in consultation with the youth sector and ACCOs to help determine the needs and priorities of young Aboriginal people.
The new grants program will open for applications in early September 2022.
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting young Aboriginal people to develop and grow in their communities.
“We know there are some fabulous youth engagement programs happening around Western Australia, particularly in the regions.
“This funding delivered to YACWA will support these types of programs and those organisations who have great ideas for supporting young Aboriginal people in their communities, but just need a little help to get them off the ground.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are best placed to facilitate local solutions for issues experienced at a local level.
“By strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to deliver high-quality, sustainable services for Aboriginal people and communities, we can continue to progress Closing the Gap outcomes.
“I look forward to seeing the programs in action, and the ongoing development of future community leaders.”
