Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people across NSW will secure life changing career opportunities through a grants program designed to enhance access to education, training, and employment within the NSW Government.

Announced today during NAIDOC Week, applications are now open for this year’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants (EDAEG), which employ various strategies to develop and support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people by creating training and employment opportunities.

Last financial year, the program achieved record-breaking results, highlighting its impact and effectiveness:

· A record number of approved employment positions, 315 in total, with several agencies still recruiting.

· This includes 31 permanent ongoing positions, an increase from just five permanent positions created in 2021/2022.

· A record 85 employment grants approved — the most yet by the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants team.

The grant subsidises the salary, development, and support costs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees helping to promote diversity and innovation in public service agencies and local government authorities.

The EDAEG will fund the below programs in 2024/2025:

· School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships – $10,000 one off payment to support school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

· Post School Element – up to $30,000 (Part-time or Full-time Employment Status) to support the continuation of employment for a learner who successfully completed a High School Certificate (HSC, Year 12)

· Aboriginal Adult Apprenticeships and Traineeships (AAAT) – up to $40,000 to support the creation of employment of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

· Permanent Ongoing Employment – up to $40,000 to support the creation of permanent employment.

The annual grants are named after Aboriginal activist Elsa Dixon, who played a key role in improving social outcomes for Aboriginal people, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

For more information on the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants and how to apply, please click HERE.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people through targeted training and employment programs.”

“These grants not only create employment opportunities but also ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees receive the support and development they need to succeed and thrive in their careers. NAIDOC Week reminds us of the importance of this support as we celebrate the contributions and resilience of our Indigenous communities.”

“This year, with an allocation of $1.88 million, we look forward to supporting even more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals in securing meaningful employment and advancing their professional skills.”