Up to $1.5M is available from Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program to help build or repair community infrastructure to meet the needs of Aboriginal Victorians.
Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program
The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program is an important investment by the Victorian Government which enables Aboriginal organisations to build new community infrastructure or to repair, refurbish or expand existing community infrastructure to meet the emerging needs of Aboriginal Victorians.
Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and social and economic development for Aboriginal Victorians.
Objectives
The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program supports Aboriginal organisations to:
- improve the delivery of services to communities;
- improve cultural connectedness and community safety;
- improve the health and wellbeing of communities; and
- improve education and economic participation opportunities for communities.
Funding
The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program funding is available under three categories:
Category 1: Repairs and Minor Works (Up to $150,000 plus GST)
Funding for maintenance and new works that will support Aboriginal organisations to improve buildings and facilities used by their communities.
Category 2: Feasibility Studies/Business Cases (Up to $50,000 plus GST)
Funding to develop and deliver a fully scoped and costed feasibility study or business case to establish a rationale to redevelop, refurbish, expand or build infrastructure that will make a significant difference in the lives of Aboriginal Victorians.
Category 3: Capital Works and Upgrades ($150,000–$1,500,000 plus GST)
Funding to support Aboriginal organisations to redevelop, refurbish or expand existing facilities or construct new community infrastructure that responds to the needs of Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
Eligible Projects
Category 1: Repairs and Minor Works (Up to $150,000 plus GST)
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- repair or replace permanent fixtures and fittings;
- undertake cosmetic works, including repairs, painting, carpet/flooring replacement;
- improve communal spaces such as kitchens, amenities and meeting rooms;
- improve the environmental performance of the building through, for example, the installation of solar panels; or
- improve the safety of or accessibility to the building.
Successful projects under Category 1 must commence within four months of funding agreements being executed.
Category 2: Feasibility Studies/Business Cases (Up to $50,000 plus GST)
The purpose of this funding is for organisations to develop and deliver a fully scoped and costed feasibility study or business case for a significant infrastructure project. The feasibility study or business case should align with the strategic direction of the organisation and the future needs of the clients or community it represents. The final feasibility study or business case can be used to secure funding to deliver the organisation’s vision.
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- contribute to the organisation’s employment of a project manager to oversee the development of the feasibility study/business case;
- engage and consult with the community to understand community needs;
- research, plan and develop key components of the feasibility study/business case;
- review or develop a service delivery plan for the new facilities;
- undertake site reviews and investigations;
- seek input from experts such as architects, designers, surveyors;
- develop supporting material such as drawings and architectural plans;
- identify alternative funding sources or models; and
- quantify the viability and social/economic return on investment.
To further support organisations, the Victorian Government will engage an appropriately qualified and experienced consultant organisation to support the development of the feasibility study or business case. Up to 25 hours of support will be available to each successful organisation to guide the business case development.
This 25 hours of support will supplement grant funding and might include:
- a workshop to identify the format and content of each business case, to consider any cultural requirements, and to ensure alignment with community and government expectations;
- the development of a project delivery plan in partnership with the project proponent;
- testing different assumptions, funding models, viability, and the social/economic return on investment; and
- mentorship, editing, and general assistance.
Successful projects under Category 2 must commence within four months of funding agreements being executed.
Category 3: Capital Works and Upgrades ($150,000–$1,500,000 plus GST)
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- expand existing community facilities;
- undertake structural works to improve a facility’s use, layout or accessibility;
- renovate and/or remodel a facility to enhance community use;
- create culturally appropriate spaces;
- improve existing facilities to support service delivery needs; and
- construct new purpose-built facilities that respond to the needs of Aboriginal communities.
Successful projects under Category 3 must commence within 12 months of funding agreements being executed.
Eligible Applicants
Aboriginal organisations
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- be an incorporated Aboriginal organisation registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;
- possess an Australian Business Number (ABN);
- be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST); and
- be financially solvent.
Auspice organisations
Auspice organisations must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- be a local council or an incorporated organisation registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;
- possess an Australian Business Number (ABN);
- be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST);
- be financially solvent;
- be able to demonstrate that the community infrastructure project is for the sole benefit of an Aboriginal community; and
- accept responsibility for submitting the application, entering into and acquitting the funding agreement, and the legal and financial accountability of the community infrastructure project.
Project consortiums
Project consortiums or groups must nominate a single applicant to lead the application that satisfies the above eligibility criteria.
Timing
Applications close 9 September 2019.
More Information
Media Release
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Aboriginal organisations by helping fund new building projects, repair works or maintenance.
Aboriginal groups are invited to apply for the third round of the $14.6 million Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, delivering the facilities and equipment they need to support their communities.
Groups can apply under three different categories for grants of up to $1.5 million, for projects ranging from small electrical or plumbing repairs, to the construction of additional buildings or carparks.
Up to $50,000 is available for organisations that want to conduct a feasibility study investigating areas for infrastructure growth. One group successfully received a grant to assess the feasibility of running a boarding house program out of an existing facility.
Boosting Aboriginal community infrastructure is a vital part of self-determination and improving social and economic development for Aboriginal Victorians.
In the two previous rounds, $8.7 million has been invested for 39 Aboriginal groups across the state.
Applications for round three are now open and will close at 2pm, Monday, 9 September. More information is available at go.vic.gov.au/acip19.
