Reconciliation Day Grants supporting the community to organise events and activities promoting Reconciliation in the ACT are now open.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Reconciliation Day Grants program provided funding for initiatives to be held in the lead-up to, during, or in support of the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday on 31 May.
“Reconciliation Day is about sharing an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, reflecting on our shared history and acknowledging what needs to be done to build a better future,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“It is a day which recognises that Reconciliation should be part of everyone’s story,” she said.
“While the pandemic continues to impact how we gather, it remains important that we find ways to come together in the spirit of Reconciliation.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said Grant applicants would be assessed according to COVID-19 guidelines, and proposals would need to demonstrate that activities could be delivered safely.
The Minister said the Grants Program supported community-organised events which focused on promoting understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; celebrating and raising the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; delivering opportunities for children, young people and elders to be involved in events that promoted Reconciliation; and seminars and/or panel discussions on the importance of Reconciliation.
“I look forward to seeing how the community will make use of the grants program to explore Reconciliation this year,” she said.
“I hope that Canberrans continue to embrace Australia’s only Reconciliation Day Public Holiday with the enthusiasm and spirit we have seen in previous years,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
Further information on the Reconciliation Day Grants can be accessed on the Community Services Directorate’s website at this PS News link.
