Child and Family Community Fund supports innovative programs in the NT

The Northern Territory Government has announced more than $2.2 million in funding through its annual Child and Family Community Fund, which will support 16 recipients across 10 Territory communities to develop innovative and local programs for children and families.

The Child and Family Community Fund provides up to $260,000 each year to improve outcomes for children aged from birth to five years of age and their families as part of the Starting Early for a Better Future: Early Childhood Development in the Northern Territory 2018-2028 plan.

The funded activities reflect each communities’ priorities with programs ranging from child health, development, safety and wellbeing to family resilience, problem solving and parenting.

Highlighted projects across the Territory include:

– Gunbalanya Community School – to deliver suicide intervention and trauma responses for children and families, and amongst other initiatives, will also run programs to support and empower children and families through culture.

– In Gapuwiyak, ARDS Aboriginal Corporation will be delivering two-way learning alongside Child Protection, Families and Youth workers with the Child and Community Fund also supporting projects in Ngukurr and Kalkarindji.

– In the Big Rivers region, a Cultural Connection program for children and families will be delivered by the Kalano Community Association in partnership with Jawoyn Association, Mimi Arts and Bantajarl Strongbal Wimun Group.

– Central Australia has a number of programs including a Respectful Relationships program in Yuendumu and the Girls Can Boys Can program to be delivered in a number of Alice Springs Town Camps.

– In the Greater Darwin region, projects range from an edible garden at the Malak Family Centre to a Community Art Project delivered by the Grassroots Action Palmerston Aboriginal Corporation.

Learn more about the Starting Early for a Better Future: Early Childhood Development in the Northern Territory 2018-2028 plan using the links provided.