Labor candidate for Tamworth, Kate McGrath, has announced that if they are successful this Saturday, a NSW Labor government will provide $100 000 to the Gomeroi Culture Academy to promote cultural leadership in the small towns and villages of the Tamworth region.
The Gomeroi Culture Academy facilitates cultural mentorship, On-Country learning and regular gatherings to create an immersive learning environment in which young people strengthen cultural knowledge and identity while studying the cultural practices they are most interested in.
A cultural immersion approach enables young people to truly understand their identity, connect with the world around them and in doing so, find a pathway to value their full potential and thrive in both traditional and a contemporary worlds.
Ms McGrath said the funding would ensure Gomeroi youth are able to participate in cultural learning without the tyranny of distance being a barrier.
“Aboriginal history is Australian history, and maintaining cultural knowledge throughout generations is a key strategy in ensuring this history is maintained and honoured,” McGrath said.
“We anticipate the communities of Kootingal, Moonbi, Manilla and surrounds will benefit greatly from this investment.”
Gomeroi Culture Academy Director Marc Sutherland said the promised funding would allow the organisation to expand its work in towns outside of Tamworth.
“Over the past 6 years we have worked to support and inspire our next generation of leaders.”
“The growth that we have witnessed in our participants has been recognised by the family, and their school community.”
“The impact that they are having is building stronger communities,” he said.
The state election is on this Saturday March 25.
Have something to say about this story? Submit your own opinion piece, or quick word, to The Net.