I welcome the launch of the 2026-27 Local Anti-Racism Initiatives grants program.
Aboriginal people have battled racism in communities across Victoria for generations – at school, at work, on the sporting field, in services, and in all aspects of life. The ongoing impacts of racism, whether individual or systemic, have a profound impact on Aboriginal people and communities.
This Program includes a dedicated funding stream for First Peoples applicants, in recognition of the specific and distinct forms of racism Aboriginal people face. The funding stream supports First Peoples organisations to deliver community-driven anti-racism initiatives at a local level – because Aboriginal people have the lived experience, local knowledge and expertise to know what needs to change, and the solutions that will work.
In the previous round of the Program, eight First Peoples-led projects received funding across education, sport, community-based initiatives and more.
This Program addresses racism at its roots by building individual and organisational capacity, and celebrating Aboriginal cultures and identities.
I encourage First Peoples-led organisations to take inspiration from previous initiatives and apply.
The Hon. Ros Spence MP
Minister for First Peoples
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