$6M Boost for First Nations-Led Organizations in Remote Australia

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.