Wide Bay residents encouraged to apply for NAIDOC funding

March 27, 2017

28/03/2017

Wide Bay residents encouraged to apply for NAIDOC funding

Applications for funding are now open for organisations in the Wide Bay to celebrate NAIDOC Week with events that celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.

Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the Coalition Government’s $1.4 million grant funding round for 2017 NAIDOC would support local organisations to stage events during NAIDOC Week (2-9 July).

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all people in the Wide Bay to reflect on the importance of the enduring identity and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia today and in our history,” Mr O’Brien said.

This year’s national NAIDOC theme is Our Languages Matter which focuses on the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, Mr O’Brien said.

“Through their languages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history has been shared for generation upon generation, linking people to their land and to their water,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Coalition Government recognises that these languages are of incredible cultural value, and has committed more than $20 million annually to ensure they are preserved for future generations.”

The 2017 NAIDOC grants funding round is part of a $1.9 million investment that the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion, has committed to support NAIDOC celebrations this year.

Mr O’Brien encouraged organisations in the Wide Bay electorate to apply for the grants so they could stage NAIDOC activities, like community marches, cultural business exhibitions or festivals for everyone to celebrate First Australians.

“I recognise the many and varied contributions made by Indigenous Australians to the communities of the Wide Bay, and acknowledge they hold an important place in our community’s culture and history,” Mr O’Brien said.

NAIDOC Week 2017 will run nationally from 2-9 July. Details about the 2017 NAIDOC grants funding round are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. Applications open today, 27 March, and close on 27 April.

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