- 288 schools awarded Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing program grants
- Almost $800,000 allocated across Western Australia
- New funding round now open
Students across the State from Albany to Exmouth and Fitzroy Crossing are benefitting from $796,000 in grants from the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
A total of 288 applicants were successful in receiving funding for activities including storytelling, language lessons, theatre, dance, music, painting and bush tucker gardening.
Available to all primary and secondary schools and kindergartens, whether they have Aboriginal students or not, the program aims to foster:
- Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on trust, respect and understanding;
- Acceptance of and respect for diversity and valuing Aboriginal perspectives;
- Learning more about each other through Aboriginal histories, languages and cultures; and
- Sharing a common journey towards healing and reconciliation.
Funding categories include arts, community relationships, connecting to country and culture, inclusive environments, history, and language.
The next funding round is now open. The list of grant recipients and information about how to apply is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/partnership-acceptance-learning-sharing-(pals).
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"It was pleasing to see such a strong response from schools throughout Western Australia and I'm impressed with the huge range of projects the Cook Government has been able to support through these grants.
"Participating in these activities promotes the journey towards reconciliation for all involved and also provides an important opportunity for Aboriginal students to see their cultures being respected, shared and celebrated.
"I encourage all schools to apply for funding to assist with their projects to foster partnership, acceptance, learning and sharing of Aboriginal cultures."
