University of Western Australia: Grants boosts Aboriginal-led project to better our future
An Aboriginal-led reconciliation movement hosted by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia has received a second grant from Lotterywest.
Following initial support of almost $1 million, Lotterywest has awarded Danjoo Koorliny Walking Together Towards 2029 and Beyond another grant of $5.7 million.
Premier Mark McGowan, on behalf of Lotterywest, this week presented UWA Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma and the Co-Directors with the grant.
Danjoo Koorliny Walking Together is led and designed by Aboriginal Co-Directors: Professor Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM, and UWA’s Carol Innes AM, Dr Noel Nannup OAM and Dr Richard Walley OAM, with input and guidance from other Elders and leaders.
The project is a long-term, large-scale, systems change initiative to help all Australians, and people round the world, to walk together as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to co-create a better future for all.
The additional funding will enable resourcing and project staff to support a range of work including community engagement and connection activities, knowledge transfer, cultural exchange and healing strategies as well as demonstrate how Aboriginal responses can benefit a range of social and cultural issues for the wider community.
“Danjoo Koorliny instils a collective responsibility in people’s hearts and minds to care for everything,” the Danjoo Koorliny Co-Directors said.
The first milestone on this road is 2029 (200 years of colonisation in Perth), but the project will go far beyond WA’s bicentenary.
“Our focus is on 2029 at this stage,” Noongar Elder Dr Nannup said. “However, we have the potential to go way beyond that because this is about being a person – a human being.”
Lotterywest CEO Ralph Addis said Lotterywest was proud to contribute to such a significant truth-telling project.
“Genuine reconciliation requires the WA community to recognise and respect Aboriginal people, acknowledge past injustices and ongoing inequalities,” he said.
“Lotterywest is honoured to be part of this journey that will help drive collaboration across government, industry and the WA community.”