NAISDA Dance College will be able to significantly expand its presence on the Central Coast following a $5M allocation in the 2022 Federal Budget to the nationally recognised First Nations arts and dance college.
The funding fulfills an election commitment by the Labor Government and ensures the college can continue to provide quality education to First Nations people.
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, announced the funding during a recent visit to NAISDA, where he met with CEO Kim Walker and Chair Mayrah Sonter.
“NAISDA Dance College is a phenomenal First Nations arts and culture institute, based here on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast,” he said.
“It provides world class accredited training programs to young First Nations people.
“The $5M in funding will assist the college in expanding its presence and ensure it continues to meet the growing demand for its programs into the future.
“The Government is committed to amplifying the voices of our First Nations people; this funding helps to achieve that objective.
“I look forward to continuing to support this spectacular First Nations college on the Central Coast.”
Walker said dance and Culture have always been at the core of how the college supports and equips young people to build opportunity, forge new tracks and voice stories and truths of their own.
“We are extremely grateful to the Federal Government for their investment in our infrastructure which supports NAISDA’s tertiary dance and arts training program, driving excellence and enterprise for our future knowledge holders and creative and cultural leaders,” Walker said.
NAISDA Chair Mayrah Sonter said that this funding recognises the impact the college’s work has achieved over many years.
“This announcement acknowledges NAISDA’s significant contribution to the national arts, education and cultural landscape for nearly half a century,” she said.
“We would like to thank the Federal Government for this fantastic opportunity to further empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with tertiary arts training, wellbeing, skills development and career pathways which create, celebrate and share First Nations culture and Knowings.”
Source:
Media release, Nov 18
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid