The Albanese Labor Government is supporting local community organisations to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable Australians, with new grant funding announced including $117,000 for a project to empower First Nations youth on the North Coast.
The Returning Indigenous Corporations' (The Returning) Indigenous Girls Back on Country (Bundjalung) project will support First Nations girls aged 14-18 years in the Byron Bay region to strengthen their connection to Country and community, improve wellbeing, and build work skills.
Local Federal Member for Richmond and Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today visited the organisation to discuss how this funding would provide crucial support to strengthen and empower First Nations communities in the area.
"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support this project, which will improve wellbeing and empowerment for First Nations girls in the community, and increase their opportunities for future employment," Assistant Minister Elliot said.
"These grants recognise the importance of supporting on-the-ground community organisations like The Returning to deliver projects that can have a real impact on the communities they serve and know so well."
The Returning Indigenous Corporation will receive $117,000 over two years (2024-25 to 2025-26) for the project, which will facilitate weekly excursions to Namabunda Farm on Bundjalung Country for 8 weeks of the school term for First Nations girls.
The Returning delivers nature therapy programs designed by First Nations people for First Nations people and are ideally placed to foster greater connections to community and Country for young people and give them the tools they need to thrive.
The funding for the project is delivered under the third Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Inclusive Communities grants round, the outcomes of which were announced last week by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.
Thirty-four organisations from across the country, including The Returning, will share in over $10.3 million awarded in the grant round for projects that deliver community-led solutions to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people towards self-reliance and empowerment.
Since 2022, the Albanese Labor Government has invested close to $45 million into SARC - Inclusive Communities grants.
