An Alstonville organisation working to establish a new women and children’s healing service has secured $20,000 in state funding to help shape the project through an on-Country cultural camp.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin congratulated Namatjira Haven on the funding for its Listening to Country Aboriginal Women’s Cultural Camp, known as Aunty Sandra’s Place, awarded under the NSW Cultural Grants program.
The project will bring together Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr communities, Aboriginal families, children and young people to inform the service design and cultural principles of the new healing service.
Namatjira Haven’s grant is one of 85 awarded to Aboriginal community organisations across NSW under the $1.5 million Cultural Grants program, which supports community-led events that strengthen, protect and maintain Aboriginal cultures.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said Aboriginal communities knew best how to protect and celebrate culture.
“Aboriginal communities know best how to protect and celebrate Culture, and we are privileged to walk alongside them to back locally-led events,” Mr Harris said.
“These grants provide funding support for everything from gatherings on Country to cultural knowledge publications, helping communities share, preserve and protect intergenerational knowledge.”
“The NSW Government is proud to support Aboriginal people and communities, providing resources that support self-determination and the strengthening, protection, and sharing of cultural heritage.”
Other funded projects among the 85 recipients include a Yuwaalaraay language and culture program in Lightning Ridge, a Gomeroi Country Aboriginal Rangers Gathering in Tamworth, a project to publish the Eagles Nest Creation Story of the Macquarie Marshes near Quambone in Wayilwan language and English, and a Birpai Country event bringing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women together in Port Macquarie to celebrate storytelling, dance, song, language and art.
Strengthening Aboriginal cultures is a key outcome of Closing the Gap, specifically Target 16: cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
A full list of 2026 grant recipients is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/aboriginal-affairs-nsw-cultural-grants-program/recipients.
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