The Morrison Government is investing $908,448 to extend support for Indigenous programs in New England as part of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the funding will focus on supporting the education and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

“These programs continue to yield positive results and I’m proud the Liberal Nationals Government has committed to their further investment,” Mr Joyce said.  

“For the New England, it also means ongoing support for local jobs and local Indigenous businesses.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the funding will help organisations deliver successful early childhood, schooling, vocational education and training, and safety and wellbeing services for Indigenous Australians across the country.

“Our commitment to initiatives that help realise better outcomes for Indigenous Australians is unwavering – this funding will help deliver a raft of critical services, particularly to improve early life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”

“These projects will be predominantly delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 70% of funded organisations are Indigenous-owned, supporting the growth of sustainable Indigenous enterprise.”

In New England, the following organisations will be delivering key projects:

• Glen Innes Family & Youth Support Service Inc, Indigenous Parenting and Linkages Program, $80,000
• Gomeroi Dance Company Inc, Gomeroi Cultural Academy Mentoring Project, $200,000
• Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service Inc, Tamworth Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team, $466,331
• Tamworth Family Support Service Ltd, Family Support – Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Playgroups, $162,117

Nationwide, key investments include:

• $18.3 million for ‘away from base’ projects, providing access to a quality education for remote students.
• $19.5 million for early childhood initiatives, including pathways to pre-school and facilitated playgroups, so that Indigenous children are prepared and ready to start school.
• $25 million to improve school attendance and provide youth engagement programs.
• $22.1 million for wellbeing, mentoring and alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services to provide happier and healthier environments for families.
• $5.8 million for crime prevention, violence reduction and support for victims.