Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Grants

four women laughing

Are you an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander community group or not-for-profit organisation? Would you like to build connection for Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people in the Darebin community? You might be eligible for grant. 

Focus areas of this grants program are to:

  • Build new and/or enhance inter-generational and intercultural partnerships and collaborations.
  • Participation and social connection through art & cultural diversity.
  • Promote active participation and wellbeing of Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents especially:
    -  women
    -  young people
    -  older adults
    -  people with a disability
    -  people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness
    -  low-income earners
    -  LGBTIQA+ people

Take a look at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Grant Guidelines(PDF, 505KB) for more information. Alternatively, watch this video from one of our grant information sessions including tips on Grant Writing Basics [13:55].

Grant application dates

The  Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Community Grants have closed for applications now, but will open again in 2026

2025 grant recipients

Congratulations to all grant recipients! We look forward to seeing your continued contribution to support our community and make Darebin a better, healthier, and a more sustainable and inclusive place.

If you missed out in the current grant round, we encourage you to apply in the next. In the meantime, take a look at some external grant opportunities that may be applicable to you and your community group. 

2025 grant recipients

After a highly competitive assessment process, a total of 10 successful applicants were recommended for funding. Find a list of grant recipients below. 

Aborigines Advancement League

The Aborigines Advancement League (AAL) has been providing support and services to mob for over 60 years. The Aborigines Advancement League (AAL) is one of Victoria’s oldest continuing community-controlled organisations and has been providing support to mob since 1957.


Aboriginal Grandmothers Health and Wellbeing Group

An Aboriginal self-determined peer support program, enabling the members to identify their own activities & support. Activities include arts, social gatherings, health and wellbeing, pottery, art therapy, sewing, healthy eating, exercise, and talks by allied health providers. This group has been a real place of healing for women as they are able to take time out of their caring duties for themselves.

Aboriginal Housing Victoria

AHV is a not-for-profit Aboriginal housing organisation and the largest of its kind in Australia, providing culturally safe, affordable housing to nearly 4,000 Aboriginal Victorians in over 1,700 homes statewide with more than 110 homes within the City of Darebin. AHV’s vision is to ensure that all Aboriginal Victorians have access to secure, appropriate, affordable housing as a pathway to better lives and stronger communities


 

Dardi Munwurro

Dardi Munwurro (Strong Spirit) is a specialist Aboriginal family violence service based in Preston. Its vision is to build stronger families and safer communities. It aims to empower and inspire individuals to heal the past, acknowledge the present and create a positive vision for the future. It delivers a range of family violence programs to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma in Aboriginal families and communities.

Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club

The mission of the Fitzroy Stars Football Club is more than just a sports club. It nurtures a culture that promotes a healthy lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, diet, self-esteem. It offers pathways to employment and education, and it fosters reconciliation by building strong bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.


Grandmothers Against Removals Victoria

GMAR Victoria was established in recognition of the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. It supports children and their families at risk of separation through a mix of practical assistance; material aid; and advocacy within court and Child Protection settings, as well as directly to government. It works in a voluntary capacity, usually alongside service providers – such as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, local mainstream Family Services, maternity services, and Aboriginal Family-led Decision-Making practitioners.


 

 

North's Finest

A local basketball club who actively participates in the Darebin Basketball Association for the last 15 years. The club helps spread awareness around Men's issues to continue spreading knowledge and awareness regarding AOD issues, Mental Health issues and Suicide awareness/prevention to the males in this community.


Pender's Grove Primary School

Pender’s Grove Primary School was established in 1924. Today it has a school population of approximately 180 students, with a diverse range of socio-economic, cultural and language backgrounds. It fosters a safe, positive, supportive, and equitable learning environment that respects the richness of our diverse community.

3knd

3KND – Kool N Deadly is Melbourne’s only Indigenous-owned and operated radio station, based in Bundoora and strongly connected to the Darebin community. It provides 24-hour broadcasting that reflects the voices, stories, and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in a warm, informative, and educational way.

Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited

An an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that delivers a wide range of holistic, culturally safe programs and services that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities. It offers services including accredited training pathways with job-ready skills and qualifications. It also provides justice services for both youth and adults, culturally informed diversion, support, and rehabilitation to reduce contact with the justice system and foster positive futures.