13/10/2023 

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

MEDIA RELEASE

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann is inviting local community organisations to apply for funding to host Australia Day 2024 community events.

Applications for the National Australia Day Council's (NADC) Australia Day 2024 Community Events Grants program are now open.

Mr Neumann said Australia's local government and community sectors played a vital role in Australia Day, providing their communities with opportunities to reflect, respect and celebrate.

"Grants are again available to all local councils, state government bodies and not-for-profit organisations, including service clubs like Rotary and Lions," he said.

"Organisations who received an Australia Day 2023 community grant are eligible to apply again.

"Event hosts can apply for a fixed grant of 15,000.

"Applicants that collaborate with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to incorporate activities that reflect, respect and celebrate their history and culture will be eligible to apply for an additional $5,000.

"Submissions close on 31 October 2023, so get your applications in!"

Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis until the funding pool is exhausted.

For more information, see https://www.australiaday.org.au/2024-grants or email [email protected]

Mr Neumann said that since 2021, the NADC's Australia Day Community Events grants have helped deliver more than 1,000 community events, from Welcomes to Country to citizenship ceremonies, from morning teas to multicultural festivals.

"I'm delighted that a number of local organisations received funding under the Australia Day 2023 grants program.

"Somerset Regional Council and Karana Bellbowrie Rotary both received funding to host community events this year, which was terrific.

"The National Australia Day Council wants to make these events more inclusive and improve Indigenous community engagement through things like Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies, storytelling and cultural performances.

"They offer a great opportunity to learn more about our local history, and to embrace the cultures of local First Nations peoples.

"Applicants also need to demonstrate their event would be inclusive of, and accessible for, people living with a disability, for example, by having Auslan interpreters, ramp hires, accessible amenities or providing quiet spaces.

"A truly inclusive Australia Day means ensuring all Australians feel welcome to attend.

"Finally, applicants are encouraged to support local businesses and communities through the planning and delivery of the event, including by supporting local employment opportunities," Mr Neumann said.