Premier

Supporting Traditional Owners In Victoria

11 September 2020

The Victorian Government is helping Traditional Owners build stronger nations and to ensure every voice is heard on the path to Treaty.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced more than $4.3 million will be made available as part of the Traditional Owner Nation-Building Support Package to make communities stronger.

Funding will be used to support specific outcomes, such as improving governance arrangements, boosting youth engagement or building projects that will deliver economic and cultural benefits.

Under the principles of the Nation-Building fund, it’s important Traditional Owners are engaged with their communities and are self-determining with strong identities, governance and knowledge, as well as economically sustainable and independent.

As Victoria continues to move towards a Treaty or treaties with First Nations people, it is also vital that Aboriginal communities have the resources and support they need to be a part of the process and be in a strong position to negotiate.

All Traditional Owner groups will be eligible for funding, such as Registered Aboriginal Parties, those with Native Title or Traditional Owner Settlement Act agreements and those without formal recognition in the mid North-West, Central North, North-East and Far East Gippsland regions.

Groups can apply for grants of up to $280,000 over two years, with funds to be applied equitably across the state.

The Package has been developed in partnership with the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and First Nations Legal Research Services.

Applications for the first funding round closes at the end of October. For more information or to apply, visit fvtoc.com.au/resourcepool.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“Victoria needs Treaty to help heal the wounds of the past and achieve genuine reconciliation with its First Peoples – we’re taking action to make this a reality.”

“We want Traditional Owners to be as strong as they can be as we forge a new path to a better, resilient future for all Victorians.”

Quote attributable to CEO Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations Paul Paton

“This is a significant step that resources Traditional Owners across Victoria to take charge of their destiny and continue to build strong nations that can achieve the shared goals and objectives of their communities.”

Quote attributable to CEO First Nations Legal and Research Services Tony Kelly

“First Nations welcomes the opportunity to continue supporting Victorian Traditional Owners to build their nations.”

Reviewed 11 September 2020

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