Page 622 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 February 2020
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A leadership grant was awarded for a career development internship program with the aim of creating pathways and support systems for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults to achieve success at university and gain professional experience.
Last year, we made changes to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grants programs to provide more support to individuals and organisations and to increase the flexibility around assessment periods. I look forward to receiving feedback from the community on those changes as more individuals and organisations apply for grants.
MS CODY: Minister, why are these grant programs important, and how do they respond to commitments under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cody for her supplementary question. The importance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grants program was reaffirmed and reflected in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028. These grants align with the agreement’s focus areas.
The cultural grants support the core focus area of cultural integrity, which aims for a society that supports the aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and contributes to the building of respectful, fair, sustainable communities. The leadership grants support the core focus area of community leadership, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong voice, are decision-makers on issues that impact them, and lead in the achievement of positive life outcomes.
The scholarship grants support the significant focus area of life-long learning, where respect is given to preserving the world’s oldest living cultures, which enhances social inclusion and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fully engage in lifelong learning and positive generational experiences. The agreement is, of course, underpinned by a deep commitment to self-determination, and these grants support and enable self-determination and community leadership.
These grants have a real impact on individuals and grassroots organisations in our community. Ms Wendy Somerville, a scholarship grant recipient in 2019 said:
The grant helped me at an important time when I really needed a laptop to take into the field for my PhD which is ‘Rummaging for stories through memories, archives and places’. I’d encourage other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider how these grants can help you achieve what you want.
I agree wholeheartedly with Ms Somerville and encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans and local organisations to apply for a grant. Applications are open now, and the next round will be assessed after the end of March.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, how else is the ACT government supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and the wider community to get involved in sharing cultures and histories?
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