Not-for-profit community groups are welcome to apply for funding to host Australia Day 2024 events, under the National Australia Day Council (NADC) grants program.
Since NADC’s launch in 2021, its Australia Day Community Events grants have helped deliver more than 1,000 community events, from Welcomes to Country to citizenship ceremonies, morning teas, and multicultural festivals.
Grants are available to all local councils, state government bodies, and not-for-profit organisations, including service clubs like Rotary and Lions.
Submissions close on 31 October 2023.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said Australia’s local government and community sectors played a vital role in Australia Day.
“Event hosts can apply for a fixed grant of $10,000 to deliver events on Australia Day that use the NADC’s ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. We’re all part of the story’ messaging,” Mr Neumann said.
Promoting inclusion
The National Australia Day Council aims to make these events more inclusive and improve Indigenous community engagement.
“Applicants that collaborate with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities [can] apply for an additional $5,000,” Mr Neumann explained.
“[This could be] through things like Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies, storytelling, and cultural performances.”
“They offer a great opportunity to learn more about our local history, and to embrace the cultures of local First Nations peoples.
“Applicants also need to demonstrate their event would be inclusive of, and accessible for, people living with a disability.
“[Examples include] having Auslan interpreters, ramp hires, accessible amenities or providing quiet spaces,” he said.
“A truly inclusive Australia Day means ensuring all Australians feel welcome to attend.
“Finally, applicants are encouraged to support local businesses and communities through the planning and delivery of the event,” Mr Neumann said.
Organisations who received an Australia Day 2023 community grant are eligible to apply again, Mr Neumann said.
Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding pool is exhausted.
For more information, see https://www.australiaday.org.au/2024-grants or email grants@australiaday.org.
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