The Victorian Government is inviting applications for Aboriginal organisations build new fit-for-purpose infrastructure; repair, refurbish or expand existing infrastructure; or plan future infrastructure to support Aboriginal Victorians to thrive, and live self-determined and culturally rich lives.
The Program enables organisations to:
improve the safety, responsiveness and delivery of services to communities;
strengthen connectedness to culture and Country;
improve the physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing of communities;
increase functionality, sustainability and accessibility of buildings; and
expand education and economic participation opportunities for communities.
Funding Categories
Category 1: Repairs and Minor Works (Up to $300,000 plus GST)
Funding for maintenance and minor building works that will support Aboriginal organisations to improve existing infrastructure for their communities
Category 2: Capital Works and Upgrades ($300,000 to $1,600,000 plus GST)
Funding to support Aboriginal organisations to build, redevelop, refurbish or expand infrastructure that responds to the needs of Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
Category 3: Project Planning (Up to $200,000 plus GST)
Funding to develop one of two infrastructure planning phases.
Option 1: To prepare a feasibility study to ensure an infrastructure proposal is viable, meets the needs of the organisation and the communities served. This study should assess and develop costs for the proposal and may include the development of concept designs.
Option 2: To complete design activities to refine the concept designs and/or progress the design of the proposal until the tender stage.
Why is the Victorian Government funding this Program?
Renewed Government investment in community infrastructure to support the planning and building of quality, fit-for-purpose and accessible assets is fundamental to strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector and advancing self-determination by:
empowering Victorian Aboriginal organisations to develop and sustain a strong economic base from which to advance socioeconomic development;
drawing upon the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal organisations to deliver innovative and best practice programs and services for Aboriginal people;
providing an economic and physical platform through which communities can maintain, develop and celebrate connection to culture and Country, pride and belonging;
promoting place-based strategic planning and decision making for the future; and
building on the sector’s abundant achievements for and with their communities to date.
Eligibility Criteria
Aboriginal organisations
Applicants must be a community-controlled Aboriginal organisation that is either:
registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria;
registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations;
registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; or
a body corporate constituted under section 8 of the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 (Vic).
Applicant organisations must:
possess an Australian Business Number (ABN);
be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST; and
be financially solvent.
Auspice organisations
Auspice organisations must be:
a Local Council; or
a public institution, such as a university; or
an incorporated organisation that is registered with:
Consumer Affairs Victoria;
the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations; or
the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Auspice organisations must:
possess an Australian Business Number (ABN);
be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST);
be financially solvent;
be able to demonstrate that the application is made on behalf of an Aboriginal organisation that owns the project site or has the right to use the project site;
be able to demonstrate that the scope of the community infrastructure project has been developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal organisation and is for the sole benefit of an Aboriginal community (i.e. copy of a relevant memorandum of understanding, engagement plan or relevant meeting minutes); and
be able to demonstrate a genuine, ongoing partnership between the organisation and the auspice (i.e. letters of support from both organisations).
Project consortiums
Project consortiums or groups must nominate a single applicant to lead the application that satisfies the above eligibility criteria.
Ineligible
The following applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under this Program:
