Reconciliation celebrations to boom in QLD next year thanks to funding boost

An additional $150,000 has been delivered by the Queensland Government in the third round of the Celebrating Reconciliation Small Grants program.The funding was announced at the 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards Ceremony by Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch.

The 2019 Awards included a finalist from the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, with the Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd being recognised for their Kalwun Early Learning Program – a stand-alone care service operating out of Burleigh Heads and in Currumbin Primary School on the Gold Coast.

The Kalwun program provides an intensive preschool program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to ensure children have the best chance to succeed in the primary school education system, incorporating strong elements of community and culture. Since opening its doors in 2016, more than 50 children have been supported by the program, which not only assists children but also prepares parents and caregivers for the journey ahead.

The funding boost announced by Ms Enoch will make a total of $250,000 available to support community celebrations across Queensland in 2020 – a move which Ms Enoch says will “help even more local communities across our vast state to promote reconciliation and truth-telling”.

Events such as traditional performances, art exhibitions, storytelling and fun runs are popular ways of bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders together during Reconciliation Week, and it is hoped that by announcing the additional funding now, communities and organisations will have time to start planning for their applications ahead of the 2020 Reconciliation Week celebrations.

Applications for the third round of the Celebrating Reconciliation Small Grants program will open in October 2019. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Jackie Trad, said “Reconciliation Week is a perfect opportunity to get involved and celebrate two of the world’s oldest living cultures, right here at home in Queensland.”

More information is available here.