TWO Cairns-based Indigenous organisations will receive a total of $1.01 million under the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grant round to deliver projects that will improve the lives of First Australians in the region.
Bumma Bippera Media will receive around $845,000 over two years, while Indigenous Job Connections will receive around $171,000 over one year.
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the Government’s investment through the IAS grant round had increased from $860 million to $1 billion, with 996 organisations to receive funding for over 1,350 projects throughout Australia.
“The increased investment through the grant round is the result of the Government honouring its commitment to provide longer funding agreements for important frontline services and ensure that any gaps that emerged as part of the round were filled as quickly as possible,” Minister Scullion said.
“This increased investment will help deliver on the Government’s key priorities of getting children to school and adults to work and making communities safer.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the funding will help Bumma Bippera and Indigenous Job Connections deliver demonstrable benefits for First Australians.
“Bumma Bippera Media already does a commendable job promoting local Indigenous culture, language, safety and wellbeing, and supporting community events,” he said.
“This guaranteed funding will help to cover their core operating costs, employ six full-time workers, and provide training.
“Meanwhile, Indigenous Job Connections will be using their funding to help their members access support programs such as legal, funeral, counselling, employment, health, family violence, safe houses and drug and alcohol services,” said Mr Entsch.
