Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and Member for Wyong David Harris has announced a $225,000 grant to support an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to deliver services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the south of the Central Coast.
Harris and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch visited Garawa Aboriginal Corporation on August 20 at a morning tea hosted by NG Central School at Kariong, to celebrate the funding.
The grant will support a number of programs, including a weekly homework hub for primary school-aged children, genealogy workshops, a youth life skills program, Elders Know your Rights workshops and an on-Country camp for teenagers.
Garawa Aboriginal Corporation was established in 2023 in response to demand for additional support for Aboriginal people living in areas around Empire Bay, Ettalong, Woy Woy and Umina.
Garawa designed the project to address Closing the Gap targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region including education, health, economic and digital inclusion outcomes.
A weekly homework hub for Aboriginal primary school children will be established at Umina Public School to provide a culturally safe place for after-school learning.
A weekly cultural life skills program for high school-age students will also be established in partnership with Community SOS, a Central Coast-based support and outreach organisation.
The high school student program will conclude with a three-day camp on Darkinjung Country where participants will be immersed in their culture.
Garawa will also invite representatives from agencies such as Legal Aid, Centrelink and Aged Care to support the needs of Elders.
“The NSW Government is pleased to be delivering this grant for Garawa Aboriginal Corporation in response to the needs identified by the community, particularly in supporting young people and elders,” Harris said.
“We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with the government, we get better outcomes.
“I look forward to seeing how Garawa flourishes over the coming years as a result of its commitment to support community.”
Tesch said the grant would help ensure Aboriginal people living across the Peninsula and Empire Bay region are able to access support.
“It is clear that in order to address the Closing the Gap outcomes, services such as those provided by Garawa are critical, delivered through a deep partnership between government and Aboriginal people and communities,” she said.
“I have no doubt that Garawa will continue to deliver fantastic outcomes for community here on the southern end of the Central Coast and I look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership with Garawa on the Coast.”
Garawa Aboriginal Corporation Executive Officer Wandid Young said the grant application was developed in consultation with the community about gaps in existing services.
“The program will empower young people by teaching them life skills in a culturally safe way,” she said.
“Many young people not growing up on their Country may find that they are disconnected from culture.
“Those who have a strong identity are comfortable with their connection to Country.
“Transport continues to be an issue for Aboriginal people in our region.
“We will use the grant to purchase an eight-seater vehicle to transport community to events.
“It’s an exciting time and Garawa Aboriginal Corporation is looking forward to working with community to support their needs.”
For more information about grant opportunities, visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding