Thirteen Aboriginal owned and operated Territory tourism businesses can further enhance their unique cultural tourism offerings as they share over $200 000 in funding through the Territory Labor Government’s Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program.
This is the first key action out of the Aboriginal Tourism Strategy 2020-2030 released last year. The grants will support economic development and local jobs in regional and remote communities as more Territorians and visitors seek authentic experiences with Aboriginal people on country.
Six projects in the Top End and seven projects from Central Australia will receive funding of up to $20 000 for infrastructure upgrades, future development opportunities and interpretation projects such as new signage.
The successful businesses will receive 50% of their funding prior to 30 June 2020, with projects delivered by 26 February 2021.
To accommodate the urgent demands placed on tourism businesses due to COVID-19, the Northern Territory Government extended applications and funding round dates for the program to support the local sector and Aboriginal tourism businesses.
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“With the re-opening of our Territory borders on 17 July, this funding is vital to ensure Aboriginal tourism businesses can provide jobs for their people and support economic development in their communities.
“Over the next ten years, the Territory Labor Government’s Aboriginal Tourism Strategy will underpin the development of a strong, sustainable Aboriginal tourism industry.
“People from all over the world travel to the Northern Territory to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of our Aboriginal people and learn more about the world’s oldest living culture.
“Our Government’s $200 000 investment is supporting local businesses to improve their product offerings and help the community prepare to receive visitors again.”
Quotes from Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Dr Chrischona Schmidt:
“We’re thankful to the Northern Territory Government for their support and investment in growing Aboriginal tourism products and businesses. This funding will provide local employment opportunities and help the growth of our arts centre, which is the cultural hub of the Haasts Bluff community and an important cultural hub in the West MacDonnell Region.
“The community is excited to welcome visitors back to experience the rich diversity in language and culture of the Lurtja people, and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture.”
Quotes from General Manager Angkerle Atwatye – Standley Chasm, Nova Pomare:
“Angkerle Atwatye has received funding to upgrade our cultural centre which will provide visitors a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, in particular Western Arrernte people and the history of Angkerle Atwatye.
“We want to upgrade our facilities and grow our business to encourage more people to come and experience Aboriginal culture up close. This funding from the Territory Government will help us do that and support the growth of Aboriginal tourism in the NT.”
Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858