The Victorian Government has announced $6 million in grants to strengthen the inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives in the state's school curriculum.
Unveiled last week by Education Minister Ben Carroll, the funding forms part of the government's broader agenda following the finalisation of Australia's first Treaty with First Peoples earlier this month. The investment is intended to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous students and ensure all young people "are given the best chance to thrive".
"We are proud to help schools embed Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum, because we know this will improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations students," Mr Carroll said.
"The grants benefit all students, celebrate First Nations cultures and help revitalise Aboriginal languages; building a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone."
Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) are being encouraged to apply for the grants, which will support curriculum and language programs that prioritise self-determination, strengthen cultural safety, and advance outcomes for First Nations learners.
General Manager of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated, Lionel Bamblett, said VAEAI "looks forward to supporting our Koorie community, the Department of Education and Registered Aboriginal Parties to further develop the curriculum and languages initiatives".
The government says it will work closely with RAPs to deliver initiatives that teach and reclaim Aboriginal languages and embed Aboriginal perspectives across classrooms.
It says the program builds on Victoria's commitments to self-determination, Treaty, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priority reforms, as well as the Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 vision.
"This investment is about more than education," Minister for First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said. "it's about respect, reconciliation and building a future where every student can thrive."
The 2024-25 state budget included $51 million for First Nations education — with $31 million directed to supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations — while the most recent budget delivered a further $18.5 million for the Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program.
