Update as at 19 March 2020:

The National NAIDOC Committee has decided to postpone NAIDOC Week 2020 (5 July – 12 July) in the interest of safety for Indigenous communities.

This decision was taken in light of advice from the government, health experts, key partners and Indigenous health organisations around the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

As a result of this decision, the 2020 NAIDOC Local Grants Round are not being progressed, and no funding will be awarded at this time.

The grants round will resume once there is clarity about the current situation and when it might be safe to have public gatherings going forward, and aligning this with the announcement of a future date for NAIDOC Week. Information about the suspension of the grants round will be made available through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s website, indigenous.gov.au.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency will work on a process of notifying applicants who have already submitted an application, those who have started an application and those who have registered an interest in the grant opportunity through Grant Connect.

 

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is calling on local organisations to throw their hat in the ring for grants to help showcase Indigenous history and culture during 2020 NAIDOC Week.

Mr Coulton said the funding will help communities in the Parkes electorate to highlight the proud achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“NAIDOC Week will be held 5-12 July and serves as a unifying time to be proud of the fact we have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is being supported with the Coalition Government providing $1.4 million in grants, through which communities can hold events to celebrate our proud history, share culture, and recognise and honour the contributions of Indigenous Australians.

“While we are still some months away from this year’s NAIDOC Week, now is the ideal time to start preparing grant applications.

“This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with Indigenous culture and celebrate the role Indigenous peoples play in our communities.”

Mr Coulton said information on the 2020 NAIDOC grants funding round is available at www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc, with applications closing 30 March.

Nominations are also open for the National NAIDOC Awards that recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 and the National NAIDOC Awards, see www.naidoc.org.au