Two First Nations communities in the Northern Territory will share a $30 million investment for the first round of Aboriginal Investment NT's Collective Impact Initiatives, bolstering long-term economic and social outcomes for residents through the community-led partnership.
One community in the East Arnhem Region and one in the Central Region will begin working with Aboriginal Investment NT to identify community priorities and co-design future large-scale projects.
It marks a major milestone for Aboriginal Investment NT's Collective Impact Initiatives, a program designed to support long-term, community-led development across the Northern Territory.
"This program is about backing Aboriginal communities to lead their own long-term development," said Larrakia and Wulna man and Aboriginal Investment CEO, Nigel Browne.
"By working alongside communities to identify their priorities and co-design solutions, we can support projects that create lasting economic and social outcomes."
Up to $15 million in funding will be available to both communities across the program, with an initial $1 million already approved for each community to support early planning and engagement activities.
Final funding amounts will be tailored to each Community's resident size, location, and opportunities for collaboration.
Mr Browne said that this major investment stems from research showing that community-led initiatives result in the best outcomes for communities, with the program focusing on providing the resources, support and connections to turn community ideas into reality.
He emphasised that the partnerships represent more than a funding commitment, describing the community-focused partnership as a long-term strategy to advance economic opportunity and self-determination for Northern Territory residents.
"These partnerships are not small and sit outside of our other programs. They are designed to deliver long-term economic opportunity and are focused on ensuring Aboriginal people across the NT can achieve self-determination, furthering their rights," he said.
"Our Collective Impact Initiatives are representative of one of our largest investment strategies. The Aboriginal Investment NT team have worked tirelessly to ensure this program is not only successful but sustainable for the selected communities."
"We want the impact of this program to be a long-term economic stream that will benefit communities both now and into the future."
The selected communities have not yet been publicly identified.
Round Two of EOI's for the Aboriginal Investment NT Collective Impact Initiatives opens on 3 August 2026 until 15 December 2026. More information is available online.
