In 2024 we received 15 grant applications. After a highly competitive assessment process, a total of 12 successful applicants were recommended for funding. Find a list of grant recipients below.
Aboriginal Grandmothers Health and Wellbeing Group
An Aboriginal self-determined peer support program, enabling the members to identify their own activities & support. Activities include arts, social gatherings, health and wellbeing, pottery, art therapy, sewing, healthy eating, exercise, and talks by allied health providers. This group has been a real place of healing for women as they are able to take time out of their caring duties for themselves.
Connecting Home
Connecting Home is a culturally safe support service dedicated to the Stolen Generations across South-Eastern Australia. Connecting Home is committed to providing a broad range of wrap around services to survivors of the Stolen Generations and their families. It also provides information and education to the wider community regarding Stolen Generations history and current issues.
Crow Youth Boxing
Crow Youth Boxing provided safe spaces for Indigenous kids and their friends to gather and engage in positive activities together. The recent pandemic intensified the issues Indigenous youth faced. Many are still struggling to re-engage with education, sports teams, and clubs. Crow Youth Boxing developed as a preventative program to tackle these issues.
Dardi Munwurro
Dardi Munwurro (Strong Spirit) is a specialist Aboriginal family violence service based in Preston. Its vision is to build stronger families and safer communities. It aims to empower and inspire individuals to heal the past, acknowledge the present and create a positive vision for the future. It delivers a range of family violence programs to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma in Aboriginal families and communities.
Elizabeth Morgan House
Elizabeth Morgan House is an Aboriginal-led and governed by a 100% Aboriginal female board. For 50 years it has continued that legacy of upholding and defending rights, advocate for the protection, enaction and expression of the right of self determination and all inherent human rights for the full potential of women, children and communities to be realised, strengthened and lived.
Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club
The mission of the Fitzroy Stars Football Club is more than just a sports club. It nurtures a culture that promotes a healthy lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, diet, self-esteem. It offers pathways to employment and education, and it fosters reconciliation by building strong bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Naarm Angels Netball Club
The Naarm Angels is a grassroots netball club in Thornbury. It has 153 registered players and engages with the extended families in a community that connects back to Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Waywurru, Dhudhuroa, Gunai Kurnai, Mutti Mutti, Kamilaroi, Palawa, Wemba Wemba, Gureng Gureng, Wiradjuri, Wotjobakluk, Bundajalung, Barkindji, Dunghutti and Minang communities.
Maharishi Primary School
The Maharishi School is an independent, not-for-profit, co-ed Primary School in Reservoir. The school has a population of 60 students and 17 staff and has been operating for 27 years. Year 5 students have been participating in the Darebin Naidoc Yarning Conference since its inception.
Pender's Grove Primary School
Pender’s Grove Primary School was established in 1924. Today it has a school population of approximately 180 students, with a diverse range of socio-economic, cultural and language backgrounds. It fosters a safe, positive, supportive, and equitable learning environment that respects the richness of our diverse community.
The Pavilion School
The Pavilion School is a government school the aims to re-engage First Nations young people who have been disengaged or excluded from any form of mainstream education by providing students with individualised and tailored education plans. The Pavilion School supports students to work towards a Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) or VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) whilst building on their academic development and social-emotional wellbeing. The Pavilion offers a range of other support including counselling, pathways programs, cultural programs, youth work support, elective programs, and extension activities.
Thornbury Primary School
Thornbury Primary School is in Darebin. In 2024, there are 337 students enrolled at the school with 14% of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. At Thornbury Primary School, First Nations culture and understandings are embedded into learning programs and provide a strong influence on the school’s identity and culture. Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language is taught to all students across the school.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1973 to address the specific medical needs of Victorian indigenous communities. The organisation has expanded to provide a comprehensive range of medical, dental, and social services in Darebin. VAHS is also committed to supporting the well-being of the community through community events and activities and research into the ongoing needs of the community