Grants now available for First Nations educators looking to step up in their career

First Nations New South Wales early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals who are looking to step into the sector, or to advance their careers, are being encouraged to take advantage of the Elsa Dixon Grants program which is now open to boost education, training or career development. 

Announced today during NAIDOC Week, applications are now open for this year’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants (EDAEG), which employ various strategies to develop and support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people by creating training and employment opportunities.

“These grants not only create employment opportunities but also ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees receive the support and development they need to succeed and thrive in their careers. NAIDOC Week reminds us of the importance of this support as we celebrate the contributions and resilience of our Indigenous communities,” NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said.

The annual grants are named after Aboriginal activist Elsa Dixon, who played a key role in improving social outcomes for Aboriginal people, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

The grant subsidises the salary, development, and support costs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees helping to promote diversity and innovation in public service agencies and local government authorities.

“This year, with an allocation of $1.88 million, we look forward to supporting even more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals in securing meaningful employment and advancing their professional skills,” Mr Whan added.

The EDAEG will fund the below programs in 2024/2025:

• School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships – $10,000 one off payment to support school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

• Post School Element – up to $30,000 (Part-time or Full-time Employment Status) to support the continuation of employment for a learner who successfully completed a High School Certificate (HSC, Year 12).

• Aboriginal Adult Apprenticeships and Traineeships (AAAT) – up to $40,000 to support the creation of employment of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

• Permanent Ongoing Employment – up to $40,000 to support the creation of permanent employment.

In the last financial year the EDAEG yielded bumper results, highlighting the impact and effectiveness of the program. Key highlights include: 

• A record number of approved employment positions, 315 in total, with several agencies still recruiting, including 31 permanent ongoing positions, an increase from just five permanent positions created in 2021/2022.

• A record 85 employment grants approved — the most yet by the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants team.

For more information on the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants and how to apply, please see here.