Grants to preserve and protect Aboriginal sites

About the Program

The Program was established to support Aboriginal people to protect, preserve and promote important heritage sites by providing grants of up to $50,000 to Aboriginal Corporations and incorporated not-for-profit Aboriginal organisations.

This year an increased grant pool of $1.25 million is available for eligible projects that aim to protect or preserve sites registered under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 or sites that have been lodged for assessment. You can check which sites are registered/lodged using the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Inquiry System. 

Projects should primarily include on-the-ground physical works which will protect or preserve specific Registered Aboriginal Sites or Lodged places. This could be activities such as installing fences or signage, removing graffiti or site clean-up.

Previously funded projects included:

• The remediation of registered Aboriginal burial sites, including memorials plinths and reflection places.
• Development and installation of interpretive and truth-telling signage.
• Fencing, including repair and installation.
• Removal of invasive weeds, rubbish and graffiti.
• Digital promotion of cultural information for existing registered sites to a broader audience.
• Construction of meeting places and improved site accessibility at registered Aboriginal sites.
• Employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people in delivering on-the-ground project work, such as site clean-ups and remediation.
• Historical research to identify and repatriate historical images and information connected to an existing registered Aboriginal site.

Since the program began in 2014, the State Government has committed $4.25 million to 162 projects across the State to support Aboriginal people in managing their cultural heritage.
 

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Sustainable long-term heritage benefits.
2. Public benefit and increased awareness of Aboriginal heritage.
3. Opportunities and benefits for Aboriginal people and organisations.
4. Sound project planning and value for money.

Projects will require written endorsement from the landowner and, where relevant, the Indigenous Land Use Agreement group or Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate.

For more information on the program check out the FAQs or contact the Heritage Officer for your region or the Heritage Grants Team at HeritageGrants@dplh.wa.gov.au or (08) 6551 7954.