A NSW Government grant program which boosts education, training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the NSW public service and local government agencies has opened for applications.

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant provides funding to support the salary, development, and support costs for Aboriginal people, with a focus on encouraging permanent employment.

The annual grants are named in honour of community leader Elsa Dixon, who played a critical role in improving social outcomes for Aboriginal people in the 1970s and 1980s.

The grant elements comprise three key categories:

• Permanent employment: Ranging from $30,000 up to $40,000, this grant supports the creation of permanent positions to foster ongoing employment opportunities for Aboriginal individuals.
• Temporary Secondment: Ranging from $20,000 up to $40,000, this grant provides support for temporary positions of up to 12 months, offering significant skill development opportunities that can lead to permanent positions.
• School-based apprenticeship and traineeship: A one-time payment of $10,000 is provided to support school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, fostering skills development and training employment pathways for students in Years 10, 11, and 12, as well as post-school pathways.

Two hundred and seventy nine school-based traineeships, 18 permanent roles and four temporary secondment roles were funded across NSW through the program in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Fire and Rescue NSW Senior Aboriginal Organisational Change and Development Advisor Rhiannon Dotti was a beneficiary of the grant in 2021-22, and now drives diversity and inclusion projects in the organisation, including the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Applications for the current round of funding open on 1 July.

For more information on the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant and to apply, please visit the website.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants recognise the importance of Aboriginal representation and contributions in public service agencies and local government authorities.

"The grants encourage permanent employment and professional mobility for Aboriginal individuals in NSW public service agencies and local government authorities, driving positive change in their careers and lives.

“As well as promoting innovation in education, employment, and training outcomes, the grant program also creates pathways for Aboriginal people to thrive.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Elsa Dixon program is a key initiative in Closing the Gap, offering pathways into education, employment and training, empowering Aboriginal people in NSW to follow their career aspirations and helping Aboriginal businesses in our state to grow and flourish.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Senior Aboriginal Organisational Change and Development Advisor Rhiannon Dotti said:

“The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment grant has allowed me to step up into a higher role within the NSW Public Sector.

“It’s given me the opportunity to develop my professional skills and expand my portfolio and future career opportunities.

“I applied for this role because I’m passionate about my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture, and how that fits into government organisations.”