First Nations organisations across Victoria are in a stronger position to improve, repair, expand and plan ahead on services they provide to their communities across the state, with more than $5 million secured in grants.
13 organisations have been successful in grant applications under the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program's eight round, with funding ranging from $55,000 for a feasibility study to $1.5 million for a community space in a small town in Taungurung Country.
The grant program is set up to support ACCOs in practical measures improving their facilities to efforts ensuring the health and wellbeing of their communities, education, connection to Country and Culture, and economic participation.
More than $50 million has been delivered to 60 individual Indigenous organisations for close to 130 projects since 2018.
From 2027, the program will transition from its administration by the Department of Government Services to Gellung Warl, Victoria's First Peoples' representative body established through the state's Treaty.
The latest round of recipients was announced late last week.
Taungurung Land & Waters Council successfully secured $1.5 million for a multi-purpose community space at its Nyagaroon property, formally transferred to Traditional Owners in 2022, for cultural celebration and knowledge sharing, under capital works and upgrades funding category.
Planned for Chewton, just outside Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation will receive $1.4 million in funding for the build of a co-designed Indigenous Education Place.
Applications have been able to be made for grants between $50,000-$1.6 million.
On the other end of the scale, in the latest round, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd in Warrnambool will receive $98,000 for repairs and minor works to essential services upgrades, Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation secured $73,000 for works on their office and Moogji Aboriginal Council, in the state's east on Gunaikurnai, have a feasibility study backed with $55,000.
Grants are available only to not-for-profit groups.
Three funding categories include Repairs and Minor Works for existing infrastructure (up to $300,000 plus GST), Capital Works and Upgrades for new builds, redevelopments, refurbishments and expansions ($300,000 to $1,600,000 plus GST) and Project Planning (up to $200,000 plus GST).
Grants are intended for projects "to support Victorian First Peoples to thrive, and live self-determined and culturally rich lives", per the program outline.
"In response to the multi-faceted and ever- evolving composition of their communities, Victorian First Nations organisations deliver a diverse spectrum of socially and culturally beneficial services across a range of important industries," the outline states.
The program aims to support "First Nations organisations to prioritise, lead and determine the design, development and use of their current and future infrastructure advances self- determination in local communities to achieve better social outcomes and live culturally rich lives".
"First Nations organisations deliver the strongest programs for First Nations communities," Victoria's Minister for First Peoples Ros Spence said.
"From education and health to sport and culture, this funding means communities have the spaces they need to come together and thrive."
