2026 First Nations Community Grants Recipients

Wiradjuri Nation/ Dubbo, NSW

• EM-power Foundation, $10,000 – Funding will support a Native Food and Culture Careers Expo, helping Aboriginal students connect with culture while exploring education and employment pathways in the growing native foods sector. The project is expected to provide direct engagement and career opportunities for local First Nations students.

Lands of the Awakabal and Worimi peoples/ Newcastle

• Gari Yala, $10,000 – Jemena's grant will support a community food pantry providing emergency food and essential items to homeless Aboriginal people, Elders, single parents and families experiencing hardship. The program supports between 300 and 500 people each year.

Darug Nation/ Western Sydney, NSW

• Mobileyes and Dental Foundation, $10,000 – Funding will provide dental care plans for 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, improving health outcomes, self-confidence and access to education and employment opportunities.

Land of the Wurumungu people/ Tennant Creek, NT

• Foodbank SA & NT, $10,000 – The grant will help provide disaster-preparedness food hampers, water and essential supplies for local families, as well as Christmas hampers distributed through established school breakfast programs, supporting community resilience and food security.

Land of the Kalkadoon people/ Mount Isa, Queensland

• Martyr Training Services, $8,000 – Jemena's funding will help establish a Transport and Logistics Employment Simulation and Industry Readiness Hub, providing practical training and employment preparation for an estimated 40 to 60 First Nations participants in its first year.