Marking National Sorry Day, the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney has today announced an additional $3.5 million to support healing activities for Stolen Generations survivors over the next two years.
“This funding will make a difference to the lives of many survivors, their families and communities,” said Professor Steve Larkin, chair of The Healing Foundation.
The new funding, over the next two years, will support Stolen Generations organisations to deliver impactful, tailored and locally focused community-led healing activities through The Healing Foundation’s existing Collective Healing Grant program.
“We acknowledge Minister Burney’s support for Stolen Generations organisations and the unique healing models they lead,” said Professor Larkin.
“This new funding will be a welcome boost to the incredible organisations that work on the ground and support survivors around the clock.
“The Healing Foundation will work closely with Stolen Generations organisations to ensure their leadership of the expanded grants program. Their guidance will help ensure the grants are flexible, useful, and address the unique healing needs and aspirations of Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants and communities.”
The Healing Foundation has been offering collective or group healing grants to Stolen Generations organisations since 2012, but demand has far outstripped the funding available.
The grants have supported activities including:
- support for Elders to document their stories and transfer their knowledge and wisdom
- working with survivors to develop services and support
- healing gatherings, camps, and workshops
- (re)connection to Country and culture through cultural activities such as art, music, song and dance, language, and ceremony
Since 2012 the grants have supported more than 9000 people to participate in over 100 projects that respond to the healing needs of Stolen Generations survivors, families and communities around Australia.
Evaluations over this period drive home the impact of these grants on survivors:
- 80% of all participants reported an increased sense of belonging and connection to culture
- 76% reported being able to better manage and care for their loss and grief in constructive ways
- 72% reported increased use of support services
(Footnote: based on program data between 2012 and 2020)
“We hope today’s announcement will bring us a step close to developing an ongoing, sustainable funding model for Stolen Generations organisations that are all across the country,” Professor Larkin said.
“The Healing Foundation will continue to advocate for long term, concerted investment in locally led healing for Stolen Generation survivors, and the organisations who represent them.”
