Looking after Country Grants open in NAIDOC Week

During 2018 NAIDOC Week celebrations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups throughout Queensland are being encouraged to apply for a share of $500,000 in Palaszczuk Government funding.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch has opened applications for the 2018-19 Looking after Country Grants Program – the funding made available to support the crucial work carried out to protect local environment and cultural resources.

“A significant element of NAIDOC Week is the recognition of custodianship responsibilities and the connection of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to land and sea,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Looking after Country Grants Program not only acknowledges this connection but assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to continue with, and potentially expand, the tireless work they do to conserve Country.”

“The benefits of the program also extend to local jobs and skills development – paving the way towards greater employment opportunities, professional partnerships, and the sharing of intergenerational knowledge.

“I urge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils, Indigenous corporations, Traditional Owner groups and incorporated organisations to apply.”

The Looking after Country Grants Program supports on-the-ground projects that conserve the environment and cultural resources on Country, with grants of up to $75,000 per project available to successful applicants.

Projects funded under the grant program – previously known as the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Grant Program – have included important cultural site and habitat restoration, feral animal and weed control, cultural heritage recording and marine turtle monitoring activities.

Applications close Friday 10 August 2018 at 5pm.

For more information visit the Looking after Country Grants Program webpage.

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