02/12/2005
- The Australian Government will provide $3.4 million
in funding to improve the protection and management of
Indigenous heritage in 2006–07, the Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, announced today.
“Community groups, organisations and schools can apply
for grants of up to $100,000 for the identification, conservation
and promotion of Indigenous cultural heritage values,”
he said.
“The programme is an important part of the Australian
Government’s commitment to identify and conserve Indigenous
places around the country. In turn this helps all Australians
better understand our nation’s Indigenous heritage.
“Eligible activities include projects to protect the heritage
values of places, interpretative signage, facilitating
access by traditional owners to conduct ceremonies and
management practices at significant heritage places.”
Senator Campbell said the Indigenous Heritage Programme
was funded annually through the whole-of-Government approach
to improving delivery of services relating to Indigenous
affairs.
More than 55 projects were funded through the programme
in 2005–06 including:
• $50,000 to develop a detailed management plan to conserve
and rehabilitate the Brewarrina Fish Traps in New South
Wales - now included on the National Heritage List
• $43,000 to conserve around 36 rock holes in the Kaltukatjara
area intrinsically linked to the Rainbow Serpent creation
story (Northern Territory)
• $15,500 for a photographic exhibition featuring heritage
places in Woorabinda and the Torres Strait (Queensland)
• $25,380 to enable the Kaurna people in South Australia
to negotiate the care, control and conservation of their
significant heritage sites
• $100,000 for the assessment of identified cave and engraving
sites in Tasmania
• $60,000 for the restoration and transformation of the
Karalundi Mission building into a museum (Western Australia).
“I encourage all Indigenous people, and other Australians
interested in the promotion and protection of our Indigenous
cultural heritage, to apply for these grants,” Senator
Campbell said.
A total of $2.7 million will be available for grants through
a competitive funding round, with the remaining funds
being allocated through Shared Responsibility Agreements
with Indigenous communities.
For further information about the programme visit
http://www.deh.gov.au/heritage/programs
Applications close on 22 February 2006.
