Grants now available for indigenous regional development projects in WA

Australia & N.Zealand

Incorporated Aboriginal associations can apply for State Government grants from $10,000 to $500,000 for innovative capital works projects which will create jobs or boost services in regional WA. Regional…

Incorporated Aboriginal associations can apply for State Government grants from $10,000 to $500,000 for innovative capital works projects which will create jobs or boost services in regional WA. Regional Development Minister Jon Ford said the grants were offered through the Indigenous Regional Development Program (IRDP), which was part of the Carpenter Government`s $80million Regional Investment Fund.

These grants primarily aim to strengthen the capacity of indigenous communities to stimulate economic development, Mr Ford said.

Projects such as new cultural, arts or tourism facilities, infrastructure to support new enterprises, community buildings or amenities promoting better health or education outcomes, are particularly encouraged.

The Minister said the program had already provided more than $5million for many important indigenous regional development projects since its inception in 2005.

He said projects which had previously received IRDP funding included the construction of the new Warmun Art Centre, an indigenous arts enterprise producing fine art which is renowned and sought after internationally; and the establishment of a Spinifex Paper Processing plant at Papulankutja Aboriginal Community, allowing the production of this specialised paper in commercial quantities.

The funding builds on the work of the Indigenous Infrastructure Projects Program and the Indigenous Arts and Tourism Facilities Funding Program, which were run in 2003 as part of the State Government`s response to the Gordon Inquiry.

Non-indigenous community groups, not-for-profit organisations, businesses, educational institutions and local governments are also eligible to apply on behalf of, or in partnership with, incorporated Aboriginal associations.

Applicants have until 5pm, April 2 to lodge their submissions with the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.

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