NSW Government Funding Boost for Aboriginal Programs, Housing and Infrastructure

The NSW Government has announced $350 million for vital Aboriginal programs to further support some of the most vulnerable people and families in the state.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the 2021-22 Budget continues the $212 million funding announced last year as part of the Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan, which is already making a difference to Aboriginal peoples across the state.

“This budget is not just about dollars; it is about our commitment to ensure funding is directed to the areas where it can make the most difference for Aboriginal communities across our state,” Mr Perrottet said.

The investment of $350 million includes:

$259.6 million capital investment over four years by Aboriginal Housing Office to deliver around 250 new Aboriginal Housing dwellings across the State, and 7,000 upgrades to AHO and community owned homes.

$34.1 million in funding to expand the Roads to Home program for up to 10 additional communities based in regional NSW, over three years to ensure Aboriginal communities across NSW have access to public infrastructure and civil services many take for granted

$30 million over four years to pilot a range of social impact investments, with the first round of investments prioritised to supporting the social and economic wellbeing of women experiencing disadvantage, including young Aboriginal women

$11.6 million for the continuation of the Services Our Way (SOW) program over two years

A grant of more than $4.8 million to continue funding for the Hunter Valley’s new Madoo Museum Cultural Hub. This museum, first announced in 2020, will showcase a rich collection of local Indigenous artefacts currently stored in various sites around the region, including the relocation of the renowned Morrison Collection from the Australian Museum, as well as create jobs and skills opportunities

$4.75 million grant to the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation and Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours to develop a wide-ranging Aboriginal experience in Coffs Harbour, including developing an ecocultural tourism facility and outdoor amphitheatre

$4.4 million for the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Tourism Transport Interchange, first announced in 2018.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the NSW Government’s investment in this area highlights how it is listening to the community and is committed to ensuring sustainable, longer term improvement in the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW.

“All Aboriginal people should have every opportunity to build the skills to thrive. By helping to achieve Closing the Gap targets, the social impact investment will support better educational outcomes,” Mr Harwin said.

“The broad range of Aboriginal projects, initiatives and services that are funded in this budget show just how seriously we are working to provide support to Aboriginal people.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government is focused on reducing homelessness, supporting victims of family and domestic violence, and protecting vulnerable children, while also increasing the number of Aboriginal people reaching their full potential.

“The Government is investing in a range of services to reach more Aboriginal people, families and communities to disrupt the cycle of inter-generational disadvantage, which benefits everyone,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Whether it’s putting rooves over the heads of our most vulnerable, the Roads to Home Program providing better access to infrastructure and services, or SOW supporting 22 Local Government Areas with culturally appropriate and trauma-sensitive support – we are dedicated to ensuring our communities get the support they need.”