Connecting to Country

The Connecting to Country program supports projects that enable Western Australian Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake on Country activities that foster the intergenerational transfer of  knowledge, preservation of culture and strengthening of communities.

A group of Warlayirti Artists walking on Country
Image credit: Passing stories down to the next generations. Ngurra Kutjuwarra (On Country, Together), Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Great Sandy Desert, Western Australia, June 2021. Photo by Lucinda White.

The program intends to:

  • facilitate sharing of cultural knowledge and skills between generations, such as the preservation of language, stories and dance
  • recognise Aboriginal cultural leadership within the Aboriginal community and support leadership development in young people
  • contribute to stronger community mental health and wellbeing
  • strengthen, protect and maintain traditional ways of maintaining cultural knowledge.

Eligibility

Applications are open to Western Australian based:

  • Aboriginal individuals
  • Aboriginal groups including youth, community, men’s and women’s groups
  • Aboriginal-led organisations including art, community, cultural, language, media, health, or ranger organisations
  • organisations that work with Aboriginal people in community, including local government authorities and organisations that deliver targeted services to Aboriginal people or communities; if their applications demonstrate:
    • strong Aboriginal governance, leadership and self-determination
    • evidence of significant Aboriginal community involvement in the project including consultation, planning, decision-making and project management.

Funding overview

Closed, opening later

Opening 8 September 2026

Who can apply

Amount available

  • Connecting to Country: Up to $25,000

Guidelines

You must read the guidelines before submitting an application as they provide essential information.

Connecting to Country guidelines

Funding rounds

Round Open Draft review Close Projects beginning after Notification Category
September 2025 9:00am 2 September 2025 4:00pm 25 September 2025 4:00pm 9 October 2025 15 January 2026 Approximately 12 weeks after round closing date Connecting to Country
September 2026 9:00am 8 September 2026 4:00pm 1 October 2026 4:00pm 15 October 2026 1 February 2027 Approximately 12 weeks after round closing date Connecting to Country

Successful applications

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Page reviewed 02 February 2026
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