The Federal and State Governments are working together to build a safer New South Wales for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence by investing $3.8 million in a first-ever domestic and family violence specific Aboriginal Community Safety Grant program.

The program includes funding of $138,996 to local housing services for women and their children who have experienced domestic or family violence or abuse, Women Up North.

As part of the National Partnership Agreement for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence responses 2021-30, funding has been allocated to 32 local Aboriginal-led projects to help reduce domestic, family, and sexual violence in Aboriginal communities in rural, regional, and metropolitan New South Wales.

The projects focus on early intervention, prevention, healing, and recovery for those affected by or using violence.

Several initiatives specifically target primary prevention, addressing risk factors before violence occurs, and support diverse cohorts including women, children, young people, men, and boys.

Examples of successful programs include:

• Women Up North, will run an outreach service to support Aboriginal pregnant teenagers and young mothers at high risk of domestic, family and sexual violence with culturally safe health and life education, as well as working with their community members to encourage appropriate response to domestic violence risk and occurrence to create safer communities.
• Ngarra Aboriginal Corporation which will use the grant funding to deliver Healing Strong, a trauma-informed and culturally safe domestic violence intervention program for Aboriginal men and boys. The program will address the roots of violence by focusing on healing trauma, regulating emotions and restoring identity. It will be offered in the Hunter region.
• Jeff Amatto, an Aboriginal sole trader, will use the grant funding to deliver three cultural healing programs in Wellington and Cessnock. The programs will work with men to support the healing journey and connect women with Elders and support services. 

This grant program is part of a wider effort by the Federal and NSW Governments to close the gap in family safety outcomes and improve the lives of Aboriginal people in New South Wales. 

All projects strengthen services for victim-survivors and align with:

• The First Action Plan 2023–2027 under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032
• The upcoming NSW Aboriginal Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Plan
• Commitments under both the NSW and Commonwealth Government’s Closing the Gap implementation plans to help achieve:
• Target 13 to reduce the rate of all forms of family violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50 per cent, as progress towards zero
• Priority Reform Area 2 to build a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled sector to deliver services that meet the needs of indigenous communities.

By supporting Aboriginal-led program development, the grants promote self-determination, community innovation, and culturally grounded, place-based responses.

In addition, Aboriginal-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe strategies recognise the importance of culture, connection to Country and the role of men’s and women’s business in responding to and healing from family violence.

For more information on the 32 projects, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/grant-recipients?nid=90454

Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said, “We know First Nations women and children face unique challenges and additional barriers to seeking support for family, domestic, and sexual violence.

“In 2022-23, the rate of First Nations women hospitalised for family and domestic violence related injuries was 34 times higher than other Australian women. These numbers are too high.

“Initiatives like this demonstrate the benefits of state and territory governments working in partnership with First Nations leaders to address the rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in First Nations communities.  

“There is more work to do, but programs like this will make a life changing difference, stopping violence at the start.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said, “The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working with Aboriginal community-led organisations to support First Nations women and children escaping family violence.

“Investing in these projects mean more Aboriginal women and children in New South Wales can access trauma-informed support to leave unsafe environments.

“Several of these projects focus on early intervention because we know that working with and educating boys and men is crucial to ending gender-based violence in First Nations communities.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said, “I am proud of this collaboration between the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments to fund programs that provide safety for Aboriginal women and children when they need it the most, whether they be in our cities and towns or in the bush.

“We know the best way to close the gap for Aboriginal victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence is for Aboriginal people to shape and drive outcomes in partnership with Government and this program is a great example of that.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The Minns Labor Government is working hard to reform the systematic issues that underpin the gap in Aboriginal wellbeing outcomes in New South Wales, including the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people in domestic, family and sexual violence statistics.  

“This funding is indicative of that commitment and reflects the vital importance of facilitating Aboriginal-led services to best meet the needs of Aboriginal individuals, families and communities. 

“Domestic, family and sexual violence has no place in our communities, and these programs will help drive the change that will make New South Wales safer for everyone.” 

Founder and Chairperson of Ngarra Aboriginal Corporation Racheal Dungay said, “I am truly grateful for this opportunity to support First Nations people. The program we are delivering is unique within the Hunter region and is designed to help close the gap by empowering men to change their behaviours, understand neurodevelopment, and become positive role models within their families and communities.

“Through this initiative, Ngarra Aboriginal Corporation aims to help participants find their identity, stay grounded in their culture, and develop respectful, non-violent solutions to challenges they face.” 

More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails CEO Jeff Amatto said, "We are excited to share that we’ve been successful in securing our very first Aboriginal Community Safety Grant! 

“This funding marks a significant milestone for us and represents a powerful step forward for our community. It will enable us to deliver short programs that make a real difference—especially for the men and women who will take part. 

“We’re confident this support will have a lasting and positive impact.” 

Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.