Aboriginal community organisations across New South Wales are set to host events which celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures with support from the NSW Cultural Grants program.
The $1.5 million program will support 85 local Aboriginal organisations to deliver community-led events which strengthen, protect and maintain Aboriginal cultures across the state.
From celebrations of storytelling, dance and art practices, to programs which strengthen and preserve languages and cultural knowledge, the Government said funded projects reflect the strength and diversity of Aboriginal cultures in NSW.
Supported events include the 2026 Aboriginal Rangers Gathering on Gomeroi County in Tamworth, where Ranger groups from across the state will share ecological and environmental cultural knowledge and practice.
Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Fiona Snape, said the "vital support" from Aboriginal Affairs NSW will bring Rangers teams together for a week-long, on-Country exchange.
"By sharing traditional land management practices and exchanging stories from desert, coastal, riverine, and woodland regions, our Rangers strengthen their collective commitment to Caring for Country," Ms Snape said.
"This Gathering is a powerful space where ancient knowledge meets modern practice, ensuring our Rangers return to their home communities inspired and equipped to keep our living culture thriving for generations to come."
Also receiving support is Yuwaalaraay Winangaylanha Walaaybaa, which will assist Elders and language teachers in teaching, revitalising and preserving Culture with young people on Yuwaalaraay Country in Lightning Ridge.
Barriekneal Housing & Community CEO, Crystal Mahoney, said the grant provides a vital bridge between Elders and youth to preserve the rich heritage of the Yuwaalaraay people.
"Teaching language, bush tucker preparation, and ceremony on Country builds irreplaceable leadership skills in our next generations," Ms Mahoney said.
"We are actively securing our cultural future by creating resources that will educate the wider community for years to come."
Milan Dhiiyaan has secured funding for Maliyaangaa Ngurra - a project to publish the Eagles Nest Creation Story of the Marshes in Wayilwan language and English, preserving culturally authorised knowledge of the Macquarie Marshes, on Wayilwan Country near Quambone.
Milan Dhiiyaan senior cultural educator and co-founder, Nyimirr (Fleur Magick Dennis), said delivering the resource for free across the Quambone region ensures geographic and socio-economic barriers do not block access to cultural knowledge.
"This grant allows us to document and share the Maliyaangaa Ngurra creation story, preserving the deep history of the Macquarie Marshes in both Wayilwan and English for future generations," they said.
"It is a proud step forward for Wayilwan language preservation and community-led cultural continuity."
The NSW Government said strengthening Aboriginal cultures is a key outcome of Closing the Gap, specifically Target 16 - Cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said Aboriginal communities know best how to protect and celebrate culture, and the NSW Government is "privileged to walk alongside them to back locally-led events".
"These grants provide funding support for everything from gatherings on Country to cultural knowledge publications, helping communities share, preserve and protect intergenerational knowledge," Mr Harris said.
"The NSW Government is proud to support Aboriginal people and communities, providing resources that support self-determination and the strengthening, protection, and sharing of cultural heritage."
The full list of grant recipients can be found online.
