NAIDOC funding released for Lake Macquarie ECEC services in line with revised dates

Lake Macquarie City Council is offering early childhood centres, local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and schools grants to fund projects or events that celebrate NAIDOC Week on its new dates of 8-15 November 2020.

The change of date for major NAIDOC Week celebrations was prompted by COVID-19, with the hope that celebrations will be able to occur safely in November. 

Council Aboriginal Community Development Officer Maree Edwards said grants of up to $750 were on offer to create a cultural project or event that would increase community awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements, culture and heritage.

“NAIDOC Week plays an integral role in educating the wider community about the longest living culture on the planet, and helps promote reconciliation,” Ms Edwards said.

“This year’s theme Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations people lived on and cared for this country for over 65,000 years. Applicants are encouraged to create cultural activities that reflect our First Nation people’s ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to the land and water.”

Successful applicants must host their project or event in Lake Macquarie and adhere to NSW Government COVID-19 health guidelines.

Application forms are available here, and must be returned to Council by Monday 17 August.