Aboriginal organisations in New South Wales are being invited to apply for part of a $1.5 million pool to support the celebration of culture, knowledge, and community connection with activities and projects.
The NSW Government's Aboriginal Affairs agency opening applications for the 2025-2026 Cultural Grants Program this week, with support from $1,000 to $20,000 available to a broad range of events or projects.
Earlier this year, Gundyarri Narrandera Aboriginal Corporation in the state's Riverina received support to host a Welcome Baby to Country event from a previous grant rollout, inviting families with children up to 18 months old to be welcomed by elders and the community on Wiradjuri Country.
"This grant will help us to welcome our newborns back to their traditional river and land after being born in hospital where the closest maternity facilities are an hour away," Gundyarri directors Cherry Johnson and Vivian Prior Christian said earlier this year.
"The ceremony will connect our babies spiritually, emotionally and physically which in turn will re-introduce cultural practices i.e. to be ongoing for generations.
"Also it will help preserve our identity, sense of belonging (children), having respect for one another and staying grounded to our roots (ancestral knowledge)."
More than 70 Aboriginal community groups and organisations were successful in their application for the previous grant.
Eligible groups for the upcoming funding include non-for-profit organisations in NSW or bordering communities, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO), unincorporated Aboriginal community groups, sole traders or businesses principally working in cultural expression or revitalisation, among other criteria.
Funding can be used for things such as catering (excluding alcohol), equipment hire and purchasing, administration of a project, associated merchandise, for contractors like facilitators and teachers, and, in some cases, remuneration.
Applications can be made at any time up until March 31 next year, or until the $1.5 million offered is exhausted.
"Cultural Grants support Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to share, strengthen and celebrate culture in ways that are meaningful to them," NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
"The NSW Government is proud to support community-driven events that bring people together, pass on knowledge, and strengthen connections to Country and culture.
"This program is about celebrating the diversity, creativity and resilience of Aboriginal peoples and cultures, now and into the future."
Supports for organisations and groups applying is available through their local Aboriginal Affairs NSW Regional Team, with a previously held information session available to view online.
