The Department is pleased to announce that the 2023-2024 round of the Preserve, Promote and Protect our Aboriginal Sites Grants Program is open for applications. Applications close Friday 29 March 2024.
The program offers $750,000 to benefit recipient Aboriginal organisations and communities in preserving registered Aboriginal sites across the State through grants for on-the-ground works of up to $50,000.
Since the commencement of the grants in 2014, the Western Australian Government has committed more than $2.5 million in its continued support of Aboriginal people in managing their cultural heritage throughout Western Australia.
About the program
Amounts of up to $50,000 exclusive of GST are available for incorporated not-for-profit Aboriginal organisations to manage Aboriginal sites listed on the Register of Aboriginal Places and Objects.
Previously funded projects include:
- The remediation of registered Aboriginal burial sites, including memorials plinths and reflection places.
- Development and installation of interpretive and truth-telling signage.
- Fencing, including repair and installation.
- Removal of invasive weeds, rubbish and graffiti.
- Digital promotion of cultural information for existing registered sites to a broader audience.
- Construction of meeting places and improved site accessibility at registered Aboriginal Sites.
- Employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people in delivering on-the ground project work, such as site clean-ups and remediation.
- Historical research to identify and repatriate historical images and information connected to an existing registered Aboriginal site.
In 2023, nine local Aboriginal organisations received over $350,000 in grant packages, with funds of between $10,000 and $40,000 for each Aboriginal heritage project.
Project eligibility
Grant applications will only be accepted for projects associated with Aboriginal sites that are registered on the Register of Places and Objects (the Register) at the time of applying. You can check which places are on the Register using the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Inquiry System.
Eligibility requirements and ineligible activities are outlined in the Guidelines for Applicants.
Who can apply?
Incorporated Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply. Individuals and local, state and federal government agencies are not eligible for grant funding through this program; however, joint submissions with other organisations may be made.
If a joint application is made, the eligible Aboriginal organisation must be listed as the applicant, with the other organisation(s) listed in the application form. An organisation that may not have capacity to manage any resultant funding may wish to partner with an organisation that will manage the financial aspects of the project (an auspicing body). The auspicing body must agree to receive the funds and to administer the grant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the signed grant agreement.
Project evaluation
Projects are required to demonstrate the following outcomes:
- Sustainable, long-term heritage benefits.
- Public benefit and increased awareness of Aboriginal heritage.
- Opportunities and benefits for Aboriginal people and organisations.
- Primary use of funding for physical works.
- Meeting eligibility guidelines including the written endorsement of the landowner, relevant Indigenous Land Use Agreement group or Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate.
Find out more
We highly recommend that you discuss your project with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage Grants Team prior to submitting your application.
For program guidelines, enquiries and applications contact:
Senior Heritage Officer
Phone: (08) 6551 8000
Email: HeritageGrants@dplh.wa.gov.au
