Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer said successful projects range from connecting children to Country, the creation of digital resources and keeping culture alive through song, dance, art and products.

“Council enjoys a strong relationship with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, collaborating on a range of projects which promote understanding of Aboriginal culture and celebrates their contribution to our community,” Ryan said.

“In 2002, we established The Aboriginal Projects Fund on the recommendation of our Aboriginal Strategic Committee, which has been a huge success.

“We’re proud to support community groups and schools through the Aboriginal Projects Fund to continue to empower the Aboriginal community in Port Stephens through the delivery of programs, events, and other activities.

“I can’t wait to see these five projects come to life thanks to the vision of these organisations.”

Salamander Childcare Centre has been granted $5,000 by Port Stephens Council to run the Wayapa Program, engaged by Sarah Corrigan from Rainbow Crow to run sessions focusing on connecting children to Country through movement, stories and walks.

Salamander Childcare Centre Director, Daniel Freeman said that by having Sarah at the centre, they’ve enhanced their curriculum.

“This program is helping to embed Aboriginal perspectives into the learning projects the children are already undertaking,” Daniel said.

“Sarah uses the children’s interests to help to create authentic opportunities to learn about culture in context, widening our perspectives and practices, closing the gap, and working towards reconciliation.

“It’s important for us that cultural education isn’t presented through only structured group times that take them away from the context of what they do best, which is play.

“Thanks to the Aboriginal Projects Funding, we can continue to have Sarah be a part of our day, join in with our curriculums, and play alongside children, who are connecting with culture in meaningful ways.”