The long journey to Native Title and Self Determination.
Additional Assistance Programs
While PCCC offers a range of opportunities, many other great programs and support services may be available to you.
View programs developed to support Indigenous Australians including community, housing, employment, financial and Covid-19-related needs.
We've compiled a list of low/no interest loans/Savings Schemes/Grants, Scholarships and Assistance Programs that are available to the public that may be of interest to you or help someone you know in the community.
If there are any grants/funding/scholarships which you think we can add to this list please contact us.
View programs & support services
Wide Bay Kids and PCCC Connected Beginnings are excited to offer this program to First Nations families with children aged 0-5 years in the Bundaberg region as a joint commitment to community well-being.
KiSS, is the Bundaberg communities trusted service for child car seat fittings, hire and car seat Rent To Buy service. Conveniently located at their central Bundaberg premises, they're here to ensure the safety of young people on the road.
The Rent To Buy program offers professionally installed car seats ensuring safety and support for children as they grow. Receipts will receive expert advice to help guide them through the process of installing a new car seat, changing or adding extra seats to a vehicle. They will work with the community to keep precious passengers safe and secure.
Program Benefits:
- Cultural Respect: Professionally installed car seats that respect and honour cultural traditions.
- This initiative is designed with respect for cultural values, ensuring safety and support for children as they grow within our community
- Long-Term Use: Suitable for children from 0 to 8 years old.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Choose between a 1-year or 2-year payment plans.
- Ownership: Own the car seat at the end of the agreement.
- LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Ony 10 families in the Bundaberg region will be approved for this program.
Click here to view program flyer.
For more details and to apply, contact Suellen Mewburn PCCC Connected Beginnings Coordinator
Phone: (07) 4167 0037
Email: connected.beginnings@pccctrust.com.au
Website: www.pccctrust.com.au
www.widebaykids.com.au/kids-in-safe-seats-connected-beginnings-program-bundaberg/
PCCC Connected Beginnings and Tucka-Time is excited to announce a 10-week program designed to enhance the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in health and early childhood education and care.
For those seeking to explore healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices, look no further. Join our complimentary sessions every Tuesday starting from April 23rd, 2024.
This program offers children and families access to culturally relevant support services such as:
- Maternal and child health
- Early childhood education and care
- Family support
- Preschools and schools
- Local government and council assistance
Reserve your spot as bookings are necessary and spaces are limited!
To access the program flyer, click here.
For any additional inquiries, please reach out to 07 4167 0037 or reception@pccctrust.com.au
This program is proudly supported by the Connected Beginnings Program.
First Nations-led research to tackle health issues facing First Nations people and help close the health and mortality gap - these research projects involve listening to Indigenous communities in order to get better outcomes.
The next grant opportunity is currently open for applications until 6 March 2024.
Further details about the successful projects can be found at Attachment A.
Description:
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Indigenous Health Research Fund aims to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 11 years from 2018–19 to 2028–29.
The objectives and outcomes of the 2023 Indigenous Health Research grant opportunity are detailed in the grant guidelines.
Applications to this grant opportunity must propose research that addresses one of the five Streams of research. An application may be submitted to one of the five Streams only. Applicants must specify the Stream to which they are applying in their application.
This grant opportunity is being administered by NHMRC on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Further information on the Medical Research Future Fund is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
The new FairPlay system, Enquire, is now open and accessible for existing and new users to register.
Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child, which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.
There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per calendar year.
Eligibility
You can apply if your child:
- is a Queensland resident aged from 5 to 17 years (inclusive) at the time of application
- did not receive a FairPlay voucher this calendar year
- holds, or whose parent, carer or guardian holds, a valid Services Australia Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with the child’s name on it.
Housing & Employment (HEP) Program
Struggling to pay your rent whilst studying?
You may be eligible for the Housing and Employment Program, which provides financial and other supports for low-income earners to sustain their tenancy while studying.
The Program is delivered by MAX Solutions and is funded under the Qld Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.
Click here to view the HEP flyer
For more information and to check eligibility, contact the Bundaberg Case Manager, Janelle, on 0459 097 145.
COVID-19 Resources & Information
There is significant and evolving information being distributed regularly by Federal, State and Local governments in response to the unfolding Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
This page of Biedo's website will serve as a central database of resources and information and will be updated regularly as the situation changes. Please check back regularly to access updated information.
Mob Strong Debt Help
Mob Strong Debt Help is a free legal advice service about money matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from anywhere in Australia. Financial Rights Legal Centre specialise in the law about consumer loans (like credit cards, payday loans, car loans and home loans), banking, debt recovery and insurance (like car, home, travel, life, funeral, and pet insurance).
Financial Rights Legal Centre is a specialist community legal centre. They are non-government, non-profit organisation and provide information, advice and assistance to individuals and also argue for a fairer financial services market for consumers, particularly low-income and disadvantaged consumers.
- ABSTUDY can help you and your family with study, Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship costs, as well as travel.
- Relocation Scholarship can help if you need to move to, or from, a remote or regional area to study. It’s paid once a year.
- Student Start-up Loan is a voluntary loan you can get up to twice a year. You can get it if you’re an eligible higher education student. It can help you buy study-related items like textbooks.
- Tertiary Access Payment helps students with the cost of moving from an outer regional or remote area for tertiary study.
- Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme can help you with the extra study costs for your children. It's for people who can’t go to a state or public school on a daily basis because they either:
- live in an isolated area
- have a disability or special education need.
- You may also be able to get Remote Area Allowance if both of the following apply:
- you get one of our payments
- you live in a remote area.
- Centrepay helps pay bills and expenses as regular deductions from your Centrelink payments. This can make it easier for you to budget
Click here to view further information & other Australian Government support services
Victim Assist Queensland
Victim Assist Queensland provides financial assistance to victims of violence that happened in Queensland. Learn more about how to make a claim and how to claim urgent expenses.
This program aims to assist Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen content makers in travelling to key international and Australian events.
Funding that can be requested, supported by a budget, are up to:
- $6,000 for international travel
- $3,000 for travel within Australia
Applications must be submitted at least five weeks before the event.
The First Nations Commissioning Fund is focused on investing in opportunities that share First Nations stories and cultural knowledge and elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.
ROUND 4 OPENS 29 JANUARY 2024.
Objectives
The First Nations Commissioning Fund:
- Supports the development and presentation of new work and cultural programs by First Nations artists, arts workers and organisations
- Strengthens skills development and provide new employment opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers
- Grows a pipeline of high-quality First Nations arts, cultural products, and experiences
Applications for 2023–24 Targeted Responses to Youth Crime grants (formerly Community Partnership Innovation Grants) opened on 21 November 2023. The closing date for this grant has been extended and applications will now close at 11.59pm, Wednesday 14 February 2024.
Applications for 2023–24 Targeted Responses to Youth Crime grants (formerly Community Partnership Innovation Grants) opened on 21 November 2023. The closing date for this grant has been extended and applications will now close at 11.59pm, Wednesday 14 February 2024.
With up to $2.5 million in funds available for communities across Queensland, one-off grants (of up to $300,000) are available for new ideas and projects that support young people who are, or could become, serious repeat offenders, to change their behaviours and improve community connection.
The Targeted Responses to Youth Crime grants will support change-oriented and intensive responses that:
- address predictors of youth offending thinking and behaviour
- support family and community to address and manage the varied, and often complex, causes of offending behaviours
- target the unique issues being experienced by local communities
- are designed in partnership with the local community.
Learn about business grants in Queensland. Read how to find grants, and prepare and write your grant application.
The Young People in Sport (YPIS) aims to assist young athletes living in Bundaberg Regional Council area by providing a grant to assist with the cost of representing Queensland, at National sporting competitions or representing Australia at International sporting competitions.
Financial support is based on representation and is allocated as follows:
-
Representing Queensland - $200 per athlete
-
Representing Australia - $500 per athlete
Applications for the Young People in Sport Program are opened all year round and must be received prior to the commencement of the sporting event.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.
About 13YARN
13YARN is the first national service of its kind for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis. We offer a confidential one-on-one over the phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
SwimStart provides $150 vouchers for eligible zero to 4 year olds to participate in registered learn to swim programs.
When a round is open, parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child, which can be used towards swimming lessons with a registered SwimStart activity provider. There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per financial year.
The NAIDOC Local Grants provide a co-contribution to the cost of activities and events being held around National NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July 2025) that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and continuing contributions to our country and Australian society. Activities and events should align with the annual National NAIDOC Week theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
This grant opportunity provides funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to contribute to the costs of local and regional NAIDOC Week activities across Australia.
Non-Indigenous organisations are strongly encouraged to work with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in planning activities / events.
Close Date & Time: 20-Feb-2025 3:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Now open! Grants of up to $75k on offer for short-term, community-led projects aimed at prevention and early intervention programs for young people.
Visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/youth-justice/partnerships/grants/community-crime-action
What are Family Wellbeing Services?
Community organisations that you trust, are here to help you build on your family's strengths.
Mums, dads and families can reach out to receive personalised support to help you and your family to achieve the goals you set.
All Family Wellbeing Services are delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations ensuring the support available is culturally safe and appropriate.
Eligible business size: Small businesses with less than 20 employees (headcount)
Status: Open
Opening date Stage 1: Registration of Interest (ROI) opened at 9am, Wednesday 29 May 2024
Closing date Stage 1: Registration of Interest (ROI) closes at 5pm, Tuesday 11 June 2024
Application process
- Stage 1: Registration of Interest (ROI)
- Stage 2: Full Application (selected ROI applicants only)
Grant type: Competitive – not all applications will be funded
Available funding: $5,000 (excluding GST) per grant
Co-contribution: None
Project length: Maximum 6 months
Payment Upfront: payment on approval
Key documents - Round 5 documents:
Application guidelines
Terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions
Registration of Interest form sample
For more information and to apply, click here.
The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is pleased to announce the launch of the second round of the First Nations Director Scholarship Program, which is aimed at developing a cohort of First Nations directors to contribute to both First Nation and non-Indigenous boards across Australia.
Funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), this program will see 135 governance scholarships delivered over a three-year period. In its first year, 34 scholarship places were awarded to deserving individuals around the country.
To deliver the second round of the program, the AICD is partnering with the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) and The Observership Program. It will provide up to 56 full-fee scholarships to directors and leaders reporting to the boards of First Nation and non-Indigenous organisations. Applicants who provide evidence of being on the board or committee of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) will be considered more favourably for this program.
Scholarship timeline
Applications open: Monday 1 July 2024
Applications close: Sunday 25 August 2024 at 11:59pm AWST
Applicants notified of outcome: By the end of November 2024
Scholarship commences: January 2025
To be eligible to apply you must:
- be a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
- be accepted as such by the community in which you live;
- be currently sitting as a director on a board OR currently sitting on a committee with aspiration to becoming a director;
- be supported by a senior government officer, company director/CEO or First Nations Leader as having potential/prospect to transition to a senior leadership position, and provide a completed Support Form;
- be aged 18 years old or over;
- be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident;
- never have been disqualified from being a director of a corporation or organisation;
- agree to the Scholarship timings and commitments including course attendance; and
- meet the pre-requisites required for your preferred course/program.
As parents, caregivers, and family members, our greatest desire is to ensure the well-being of our children. As teachers, coaches, employers, and mentors, we play a vital role in shaping young minds and setting a clear standard for what is and isn’t acceptable.
To address the critical topic of respect, it’s essential for us to start with the right knowledge and tools. Below are valuable resources provided by Australian Government that will help you understand current experiences of disrespect, reflect on your own actions as a role model, and engage in proactive, positive conversations about respect.
Check them out here: https://www.respect.gov.au/first-nations-resources
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council has partnered with the Queensland Government to provide small-medium sized tourism businesses with a rebate of up to $2,500 to enhance their digital capabilities.
The rebate forms part of the Queensland Government’s $4.5m investment in Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program and will support up to 1,600 tourism operators to adopt digital technologies to enhance visitor experiences.
The rebates will enable tourism businesses access to annual subscriptions for digital products, and will be supported by free online digital adaption webinars and resources.
Read more about the program and apply today.
Struggling with workforce recruitment, retention, or training? The free QTIC Industry Workforce Advisor program is here to help. Receive tailored solutions and support to prepare your business for the upcoming peak seasons.
From gaining access to HR support grants for small businesses to receiving assistance with recruitment strategies and connecting with quality training programs. Our Industry Workforce Advisor will sit down with you one-on-one and guide you through the steps needed to build a skilled and engaged personnel.
From gaining access to HR support grants for small businesses to receiving assistance with recruitment strategies and connecting with quality training programs. Our Industry Workforce Advisor will sit down with you one-on-one and guide you through the steps needed to build a skilled and engaged personnel.
Essentials to strengthen your small business
Supporting small business learning needs
The ATO provide a Tax Time Tool Kit to assist small businesses in preparing their tax returns, which includes a directory of links to find information, tools, calculators and other support and resources. Resources will be available early July on the ATO website here.
FREE community accessible SmartySearch grant searching database, generally over 5500 grants at any one time. Visit https://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/community/grants-financial-assistance-1/10
Applications for Round 1 of the 2024–2025 Kickstarter Grants are now open and will close at 12:00pm on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
This funding round marks the final allocation of the Queensland Government’s crime prevention grants, concluding on 30 June 2025.
The Kickstarter Grants program is part of a major commitment to trial community-led, early intervention initiatives that reduce youth crime and strengthen community safety.
Over the next four years, $50 million will be invested, with nearly $10 million available in this first round. Organisations can apply for grants of up to $300,000 (excluding GST).
Who Should Apply?
Organisations across Queensland that can deliver locally focused, culturally safe initiatives to:
- Engage young people aged 8 to 17 through pro-social, activity-based programs
- Prevent and reduce youth crime
- Support education, training, or employment pathways
- Address anti-social behaviour and restore community safety
- Respond directly to local youth crime challenges
- Partner meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Demonstrate clear outcomes and impact
Initiatives showing measurable positive outcomes may be eligible for future funding.
How to Apply
- Read the Kickstarter Grant Guidelines
- Align your project with local needs and community connections
- Prepare a strong application that includes partnerships, planned outcomes, and evidence of impact
- Submit online via SmartyGrants
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission
Please note: SmartyGrants will close automatically at 12:00pm on Thursday, 8 May 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Additional Resources
Helpful resources such as fact sheets, grant writing guides, FAQs, and social media content are available to support your application.
For further information, contact: YJ_Grants@youthjustice.qld.gov.au
The Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support is pleased to share an update on the Indigenous Governance and Tender Writing Workshops being delivered by the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI). These workshops are designed to strengthen self-determined governance for First Nations organisations.
Workshop Focus Areas:
- Strengthening governance capacity, including roles, responsibilities, and financial management
- Enhancing grant and tender writing skills to improve funding success
- Improving engagement and relationship management with funding bodies
- Providing a space for feedback to help shape future funding and procurement approaches
To learn more about Indigenous governance, visit www.aigi.org.au.
Workshop Schedule
Invitations will be sent via email with a link to register through Eventbrite, and registrations will be managed by AIGI.
|
Workshop type |
Location |
Date 2025 |
Delivery Mode |
Duration |
Invitation schedule |
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Cairns |
19th March |
In-person |
Full Day |
Sent Friday 7 March 2025 to First Nations organisations in Cairns and surrounds. |
|
Tender Writing* This session to be recorded and will be available on YJ website (date pending for availability on website) |
Virtual |
26th March |
Online (MS Teams) |
2 hours |
To be sent Thursday 13 March 2025 to all on the contact list with a link to Eventbrite to register to attend. |
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Townsville |
16th April |
In-person |
Full Day |
To be sent Friday 21 March 2025 to all on the contact list.
Invitation will include a link to register for location/workshop on Eventbrite. |
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Mount Isa |
30th April |
In-person |
Full Day |
|
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Toowoomba |
7th May |
In-person |
Full Day |
|
|
Two-Way Governance This session will not be recorded. |
Virtual |
14th May |
Online (MS Teams) |
2 hours |
|
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Brisbane |
20th May |
In-person |
Full Day |
|
|
Effective Indigenous Governance Workshop (including tender writing) |
Gold Coast |
22nd May |
In-person |
Full Day |
Programs for our mob
Dedicated programs to help PCCC People through Education, Employment, Elders assistance, White Goods and Remembering our loved ones.
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