Organisations encouraged to apply for grants program
The Western Australian state government has opened the applications for the $1.35 million in funding that is aimed at enhancing training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and Goldfields-Esperance regions.
The initiative, known as the Aboriginal Employment Enabling Program (AEEP) grants, seeks to address barriers hindering Aboriginal participation in the workforce.
The AEEP grants will finance projects and services designed to support Aboriginal individuals in accessing training and employment opportunities and assist employers in enhancing cultural competency.
Helping people secure employment
It will also fund projects and services that will boost the capacity of organizations, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, to aid Aboriginal people in securing employment and training opportunities.
"I encourage all service providers with a presence in the Kimberley and Goldfields-Esperance regions to review the grant information and apply," said Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk in a statement.
"The Aboriginal Employment Enabling Program grants are a practical way that our government can support local organizations to deliver targeted training and employment services and projects that meet the needs of their communities."
Applications will close on March 22, 2024, according to the state government.
The grants program will be administered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Projects and services that will be funded by the AEEP grants are expected to be delivered throughout the year and 2025.
Further support for young people
Meanwhile, the government said it allocated an additional $250,000 to continue the current contracted delivery of training and employment that supports young Aboriginal people in the metropolitan area until the end of 2025.
"The Cook Government is committed to creating a Western Australia where all Aboriginal people, families and communities are empowered to live good lives and choose their own futures from a secure foundation," said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti.
