More children, young people and families in Central Australia are set to benefit from the Albanese Labor Government’s new $10 million Safe on Country Fund that will improve family and community safety.
The Safe on Country Fund will support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver services that improve family and community safety across Central Australia. Family and community safety was identified as a priority area by the Aboriginal Leadership Group for the Central Australia Plan.
Funding will be available for community-led services for projects that have a particular focus on prevention of family and domestic violence and support for those who have experienced it, as well as projects that promote healthy relationships, wellbeing and support for parents and families to stay connected and safe.
Projects eligible for support under the Fund could include women’s safety services, men’s healing programs, children’s learning programs, training in household and safety skills, and parents’ and grandmothers’ groups.
Desert Knowledge Australia, a majority First Nations governed organisation based in Alice Springs, will work closely across Central Australian communities to identify and support eligible projects.
Running from 2026 to 2028, the Safe on Country Fund is part of the Government’s $30 million Strengthening Families and Communities Partnership (SFCP) which already funds community and family safety projects in Central Australia.
The SFCP is part of the Australian Government’s A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan to break cycles of violence and disadvantage in Central Australia.
More information on A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“The Safe on Country Fund offers remote communities an opportunity to grow locally-tailored services that will improve their safety and wellbeing and deliver real change.
“Local communities know their needs best, that’s why we’re working with them to deliver community-led programs that turn local knowledge and passion into real change.
“This funding will help remote communities in Central Australia overcome entrenched disadvantage, prevent family and domestic violence and improve access to services.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Our government is committed to a future where everyone feels safe.
“The Safe on Country Fund is about empowering First Nations people and organisations to lead change in their communities.
“Working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the Aboriginal Leadership Group and remote communities is an important part of our Central Australia Plan.”
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney:
“Ending gender-based violence begins well before a crisis occurs. It starts with strong families, strong culture and resilient communities that have the support they need to keep people safe.
“The Safe on Country Fund puts the principles of Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices into practice by working in place, strengthening Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and supporting First Nations-led approaches to preventing violence.
“From women’s safety services and children’s programs to men’s healing initiatives and family support services, this funding recognises that First Nations communities already hold the knowledge and expertise to lead this work.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“We know that community-controlled organizations achieve the best outcomes and the Safe on Country Fund will empower remote communities to deliver services that work for them.
Our government supports Aboriginal Community Control, and this investment will deliver real change for families across Central Australia.”