SHAE Academy in Moree is one of more than 70 Aboriginal community organisations and groups across New South Wales to receive funding support to host initiatives that celebrate Aboriginal culture.
The $1.4 million Cultural Grants program will help support, strengthen, protect and maintain traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture across the state.
Return of the Yowies, a short film based in the Pilliga region near Narrabri, is also a recipient, with an Aboriginal film-maker developing a short documentary to honour the Pilliga traditional custodians and their families.
The documentary will celebrate, preserve, and pass down their rich cultural heritage of growing up in Pilliga in north-west New South Wales.
SHAE Academy’s weekly youth cultural program in Moree will run workshops to connect young people to culture through creative arts and culture on Kamilaroi country.
The Moree program includes mentorship sessions led by local knowledge holders and is part of a broader effort to provide after-hours activities and support for young people in Moree.
SHAE also offers other community programs focused on education, sports and arts, that aim to foster personal growth and a sense of belonging among local youth in Moree.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said Aboriginal communities continue to keep culture strong through festivals, workshops and programs across New South Wales.
“These grants are designed to empower Aboriginal community organisations and groups to run events which celebrate culture and facilitate sharing of knowledge and skills between generations,” Mr Harris said.
“These initiatives have been designed by Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal people, reflecting the NSW Government’s commitment to self-determination.”
Successful grant recipients also include:
Dharawal Cultural workshops, La Perouse – Gujaga Foundation: Hosting a series of cultural workshops about native plants, language, art, weaving, cooking and history for young people on Dharawal country.
Welcome Baby to Country, Narrandera: A cultural celebration will be held on Wiradjuri country that will see children up to 18 months welcomed by elders and the community.
First Nation Food Sovereignty: A documentary which will examine how communities have historically sustained themselves for generations using traditional food systems and Indigenous knowledge.
Echoes of Country didgeridoo workshops, Kiama: Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience is running workshops for young men from local schools to learn more about the cultural significance of the didgeridoo.
Kangaroo Festival in Casino: Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead the revival of a significant cultural celebration on Bundjalung Country including children’s weaving, traditional foods, bush medicine, dance and music activities.
Women’s gathering at Wagga Wagga: West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead cultural workshops for Aboriginal women on Wiradjuri Country with an elder.
‘Our Culture Our Future’, Umina Beach: Freshwater Education will run a cultural and wellbeing school holiday camp on Darkinjung country for Aboriginal girls aged 9-18.
For more information about upcoming Aboriginal Affairs NSW grant opportunities, visit NSW Aboriginal Affairs Grants and Funding.
