Funding Available to Support Aboriginal Communities Affected by Drought
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is supporting Aboriginal communities that have been affected by drought.
Under the Australian Government’s Empowering our Communities program, WNSW PHN is offering Community Well-being grants of $1,000 to $20,000 for community projects that focus on Aboriginal well-being in drought-affected areas to improve mental health and community resilience.
“This is the third round of grants released to support communities in the WNSW PHN region so devastatingly impacted by the drought,” said WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Harvey.
“The types of projects we are looking to fund include community health and wellbeing projects, initiatives that build the capacity of the workforce, and education or health promotion activities.”
“The first two rounds of funding have been successful because they have supported community groups and organisations to deliver programs and projects which have a practical and impactful effect on people’s lives.” Mr Harvey said.
Aboriginal community groups and organisations, sporting groups, not-for-profits and others that meet eligibility criteria and are located within the WNSW PHN area are welcome to apply for funding.
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the program is making a real difference in his electorate.
“The Federal Government’s Empowering our Communities initiative is helping to deliver benefits through funding important community-led programs,” Mr Coulton said.
“We currently find ourselves in challenging times with the impact of COVID-19, on top of the drought; which continues to leave its mark in my electorate.
“This funding round demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting local Aboriginal people and local businesses so that we can be stronger in the face of adversity.”
“The WNSW PHN Aboriginal Health Council supports this fantastic initiative because it gives recognition to the fact that Aboriginal people know how to find solutions to build wellbeing and resilience for themselves if given the opportunity and the tools,” said WNSW PHN Aboriginal Health Council Chair, Des Jones.
More information can be found at www.wnswphn.org.au/drought