Grants to improve Indigenous education and wellbeing

THE federal government is putting more than $1.6 million forward to extend support for Indigenous programs across the Geelong region as part of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The strategy consolidates the many different Indigenous policies and programs that were delivered by the government into five overarching programs, making it easier for organisations delivering local services.

Locally, Deakin University will receive $1.59 million for the Away from Base project to support remote learning and Indigenous higher education, which also gives Indigenous students the opportunity to engage in periods of on-campus study.

The Milla Milla Playgroup and Support Service Project managed by Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative Limited in North Geelong will receive $74,000.
The informal playgroup allows parents, carers and their preschool children to come together in a culturally appropriate environment and learn through play.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the funding would focus on supporting the education and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

“Our commitment to initiatives that help realise better outcomes for Indigenous Australians is unwavering – this funding will help deliver a raft of critical services, particularly to improve early life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the latest investments would help organisations deliver successful early childhood, schooling, vocational education and training, and safety and wellbeing services for Indigenous Australians across the country.

“Our national investment includes $18.3 million for ‘away from base’ projects, providing access to a quality education for remote students and $19.5 million for early childhood initiatives, including pathways to pre-school and facilitated playgroups, so that Indigenous children are prepared and ready to start school.

“These projects will be predominantly delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with 70 per cent of funded organisations Indigenous-owned, supporting the growth of sustainable Indigenous enterprise.”

Other spending in the Indigenous Advancement Strategy includes $25 million to improve school attendance and provide youth engagement programs, $22.1 million for wellbeing, mentoring and alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services to provide happier and healthier environments for families, and $5.8 million for crime prevention, violence reduction and support for victims.