Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation launches relief grants to help Indigenous corporations impacted by floods

Giovanni Torre Published January 26, 2023 at 9.59am (AWST)

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The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation has announced the opening of the 2023 Emergency Response Grants Program in response to the devastating floods in the Kimberley region.

The grant program provides a grant of up to $20,000 (GST excl.) to assist Indigenous corporations whose property has been directly affected by the floods, or Indigenous groups who are assisting the immediate recovery and clean-up efforts on Indigenous lands.

ILSC Group chief executive, Joe Morrison, said the grant funding will play a role in helping flood-impacted Indigenous organisations get back on their feet.

"We have been deeply saddened by the recent floods that have devastated communities across the Top End of Australia, resulting in the tragic losses and damage to property, businesses, livestock and wildlife," said Mr Morrison.

"The footage we have seen, and the firsthand accounts we have heard, paint a picture of sheer distress and heartache for these tightknit communities. The impact on Indigenous lands, assets and communities cannot be understated."

Mr Morrison pointed out the uphill task for many impacted community groups to restart everyday life and operations following the challenges they have faced since the beginning of the floods.

"It is going to take some time for these communities to get back, firmly on their feet," he said.

"We are hoping that the 2023 Emergency Response Grants Program funding will be able to help Indigenous organisations get back on their feet a little bit quicker."

Details on how to apply for funding under the 2023 Emergency Response Grants Program can be found here.

Indigenous corporations and foundations in Western Australia's Kimberley region and flood-hit sections of the Northern Territory have been working hard to deliver flood relief and support recovery efforts, but face challenges of their own - including damage to vital infrastructure and precarious supply lines.

The supply of food, medical items and other essential goods and a shortage of safe housing remain serious problems in many flood-affected communities.