THE New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to offer funding to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) from across the state.
The newly offered Together on Country grants are being co-delivered by NSWALC and the EPA and are aimed at supporting LALCs across NSW in managing their land holdings.
NSWALC Chairperson Dr Raymond Kelly said the Together on Country grant program will help Aboriginal communities safely dispose of waste, care for Country and support Aboriginal participation in the circular economy. “Together on Country is about empowering our communities to care for their land and Country in ways that are sustainable and culturally meaningful,” said Chair Kelly.
“This program will address a number of waste issues across the state, including illegal dumping, which remains a significant issue impacting land managed by our LALCs and surrounding communities.
“By empowering LALCs to manage waste, Together on Country will embed traditional ecological knowledge of land – focused on sustainability, reuse, and regeneration – into modern waste practices.”
Through this new program, LALCs are encouraged to apply for up to $150,000 per project to improve waste management and sustainable practices within their communities.
EPA Executive Director of Engagement, Digital and Innovation, Alexandra Geddes, said the EPA was proud to work together with NSWALC to deliver this funding.
“The Together on Country grants are based on collaboration, respect and an acknowledgement that Aboriginal people have deep knowledge about how to care for Country,” Ms Geddes said.
“This funding will help Local Aboriginal Land Councils address local waste management issues on their land holdings and find sustainable, long-term solutions that work for the environment and their community.”
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis.
NSWALC encourages LALCs to consult with their communities before submitting an application, to ensure there is support for the proposed projects.
The grant funding is available to all LALCs; however, successful projects should address a specific waste issue and provide sustainable, long-term solutions.
Details of the Together on Country grant program are available at https://alc.org.au/t-o-c-grant/.
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