Geraldton Indigenous women's leadership project misses out on Federal funding
Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 11-July-2011
Member for the Agricultural Region, Mia Davies today called on the Federal Government to explain why Bundiyarra’s SING Indigenous Women’s Leadership project had been rejected for funding.
Ms Davies said the Women’s Leadership Program aimed to build the capacity of Indigenous women across the Mid West to work within their communities for positive change and to promote self-determination.
“It is very disappointing that such a valuable regional project has not been deemed suitable for Federal funding,” Ms Davies said.
“This project previously received Federal funding through the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs but was rejected this year because the funding pool available was reduced.
“Studies have shown that by developing Indigenous women’s capacity to determine the nature, pace and objectives of change, the more likely it is that positive community changes will be effective and sustainable.”
Ms Davies said the SING Women’s Leadership Program played a key role in providing local support for Indigenous women to undertake leadership, representative and management roles and provide networking opportunities.
“I attended the Regional Women’s Indigenous ‘Strong Women, Strong Culture’ Conference near Kalbarri a few weeks ago and was impressed by the quality of ideas and inspirational women working to make positive changes in their communities.
“This seems like exactly the sort of project the Federal Government should be investing in.”
Ms Davies has sought advice from the Federal Minister and will work on securing funding to assist the group to continue building on their work to date.
The “SING” Women’s Leadership Program is based in Geraldton, but involves the communities of Mullewa, Kardaloo Remote Community, Yalgoo, Mt Magnet, Pia Wadjari Remote Community, Meekatharra, Yulga Jinna Remote Community, Shark Bay, Northampton, Morawa, Mingenew, Three Springs, Perenjori and Carnarvon.
