Government to give $6m in grants to Indigenous tourism

Indigenous Australian
People dancing to didgeridoo musical instrument sound rhythm in Queensland, Australia.

The Albanese Government is providing $6 million in grants to more than 100 First Nations tourism businesses and community organisations across the country.

With international visitor numbers rising post-pandemic, First Nations tourism operators are well placed to benefit from the ongoing recovery of Australia’s tourism industry.

First Nations cultural tourism businesses offer immersive experiences which are increasingly in demand from visitors. The minister for tourism Don Farrell said this funding will enable First Nations businesses to meet this interest.

“These tourism grants provide an excellent opportunity to expand the supply of authentic cultural experiences, provided by First Nations businesses and community organisations,” Farrell said.

“Visitors, both domestic and international, are increasingly looking for unique, rich and immersive experiences, and this funding will ensure our First Nations businesses can grow their high-quality offerings.

“First Nations tourism experiences are an incredibly important part of the Australian tourism industry, sharing the oldest living culture with visitors from across the world.”

Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru with Voyages Indigenous Tourism

Some of the successful grant recipients include:

Brewarrina Aboriginal Corporation, NSW to build an extension to the current museum tourism services and improve hospitality services, including accommodation.
Watjan Tours, Daly River, NT to purchase a multipurpose excavator to maintain key roads and campsites after the wet season, offering travellers greater access.
Wijingarra Tours, North-West Kimberley, WA is proceeding with the installation of a solar power generator, allowing staff to remain on-site during the peak tourism season.
Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation of Laura, Cape York, QLD to build a new arts and craft gallery, renovate its studio and purchase a commercial coffee machine.
Something Wild Australia, Adelaide, SA to begin Indigenous food and beverage masterclasses at the Adelaide Central Market.
Judumul Aboriginal Corporation, Cooglardie, WA to support the development of a showcase of Coolgardie both within a gallery environment and with guided tours lead by local Elders.
Ayeye Atyenhe Art, Alice Springs, NT to purchase a vehicle, purchase materials for their workshops and develop a marketing campaign.
Castlereagh Connect, Coonabarabran, NSW offers unique dining experiences and events on-Country. The funding will go towards a new vehicle with mobile catering facilities.

Grants of up to $50,000 were available for First Nations owned tourism operators and up to $100,000 for First Nations community organisations.

The First Nations tourism grants contribute to the Australian Government’s delivery of THRIVE 2030: the national strategy for Australia’s visitor economy recovery and return to sustainable growth.

THRIVE 2030 aims to diversify tourism experiences and increase job opportunities, skill development and economic participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

(Featured Image: People dancing to didgeridoo musical instrument sound rhythm in Queensland, Australia – iStock/chameleonseye)

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Don Farrell First Nations tourism indigenous tourism