The Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) has announced $6 million in new funding to support First Nations-led organizations in regional and remote Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. Each grant of up to $500,000 aims to empower communities through projects focused on self-determination, governance, and cultural strength.
Key Projects Funded
- Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good in Cairns: Mentoring young First Nations leaders through the Good Vibrations project.
- Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation in Alice Springs: Strengthening cultural governance for the Arrernte people.
- Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation in Arnhem Land: Developing a culturally integrated governance framework.
- Living Knowledge Network (Firesticks Alliance): Supporting community autonomy through land management in Tasmania and North Queensland.
Impact and Vision
Since 2016, PRF has provided nearly $250 million to organizations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with 75% awarded to First Nations-led organizations. Michelle Steele, PRF's Chief First Nations Officer, emphasizes that solutions to complex challenges already exist within these communities.
"First Nations-led organizations show us what’s possible when decision-making sits closer to community."
Full List of Recipients
| Organization | Project | Description | |--------------|---------|-------------| | Milindji Aboriginal Corporation | Milindji: strong team-strong future | Professional development for staff and members in Gapuwiyak | | Mer Gedkem Le (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC | Building Governance & Leadership Capacity | Empowering Meriam people to manage lands and waters | | Gunawuna Jungai | Doomadgee Collective Impact | Supporting local service providers in Doomadgee | | Umoona Community Council (UCC) | Leadership program for community growth | Building financial sustainability in Coober Pedy | | Jika Kangka Gununamanda Limited | MI Youth Strong Empowerment Initiative | Culturally grounded leadership training on Mornington Island | | Living Knowledge Network (Firesticks Alliance) | Autonomous Community Strategy | Strengthening local economies through land management | | Akeyulerre Aboriginal Corporation | Akeyulerre Cultural Governance | Ensuring self-determination for Arrernte people | | Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | Bama Futures Project | Building financial sustainability for Eastern Kuku Yalanji | | Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation | Enhancement of Youth men's Centre | Supporting creative engagement with Country | | Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good | Good Vibrations - Peer Supports | Mentoring young First Nations leaders in Cairns | | Murin Association Incorporated | Thamarrurr Homelands Governance | Creating a Homelands Governance Committee | | Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation | Creating independence through strong Yolngu governance | Culturally integrated governance framework | | National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Governance | Empowering future leaders in health service delivery | | Wik Projects | Wik Tribal Council Capacity Building | Supporting Indigenous Protected Area management | | Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation | Resourcing for implementation of Strategic Plan | Employing a General Manager for long-term success |
This investment underscores the importance of community-led development and cultural governance in creating lasting change.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!