Grants now available to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020

Media release - Minister Wyatt

Communities across Australia will be able to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history with the Morrison Government providing $1.4 million in grants to support NAIDOC Week events.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said NAIDOC Week highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and traditions and invites all Australians to join the celebrations.

“NAIDOC Week serves as a unifying time to be proud of the fact we have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures with vibrant traditions that are uniquely Australian,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of our nation and, through these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history, share culture, and recognise and honour the contributions and achievements Indigenous Australians.”

“This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be., is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture, gain a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrate the unique place Indigenous peoples have in our society.”

“It is a chance to build mutual respect and for truth-telling, and the learning that comes from that. I encourage all Australians to gain a true appreciation for our past so we can all walk together on our shared path.

“I look forward to all of the wonderful NAIDOC events enabled by this funding and the rich and diverse art and stories that will emerge with this theme.”

Information on the 2020 NAIDOC grants funding round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc, with applications closing 30 March at 8pm (AEDT).

Nominations are also still open for the National NAIDOC Awards that recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Nominations can be submitted on the NAIDOC website, www.naidoc.org.au/awards/nominations

Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au