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
Gladstone Ports Corporation is calling on talented Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda artists to showcase their incredible artwork in a dynamic new project! Your designs could be printed on wraps/vinyl and applied to structures across the revitalized Auckland Hill, bringing cultural stories to life for all to see. GPC are looking for artwork that celebrates and explores facets of Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, and Taribelang Bunda life and culture—so this is your chance to share your story!
An EOI Commission Brief to guide applicants is attached. There is also an example of a licensing agreement that would be entered into for each successful individual.
Successful artists will receive a payment, as detailed in the brief, and each license agreement will be managed securely.
Don’t miss this chance to have your art celebrated in a public space—reach out with any questions to Karen Beare or Shayne Blackman.
Karen Beare - ILUA Coordinator, Gladstone Ports Corporation - ilua@gpcl.com.au or 07 4976 1446
Shayne Blackman - PCCC Elders Council Coordinator - shayne.blackman@pccctrust.com.au
EOI Commission Brief - for First Nations Artwork extended
Wide Bay Kids and FNBGGGTB 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 FNBGGGTB 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.
Everybody is at risk of getting COVID-19. For most people, they will only develop mild illness and recover easily, but others may develop severe sickness.
People with weaker immune systems are more likely to get seriously ill. This puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) at a higher risk.
Queensland Health is working closely with key stakeholders across the state to ensure First Nations Queenslanders have access to current, culturally appropriate and localised information.
This page contains information to help you protect yourself, your family and community.
You can also:
- visit Make the Choice
- download COVID Resources for First Nations peoples .
Learn more at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/covid-19/information-for/first-nations/covid-19-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.
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
Important dates for the First Nations Commissioning Fund single year and two-year project applications
Funding rounds |
Open |
Close |
Notification expected |
Activity start date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Round 6 | 3 February 2025 | Closed: 17 March 2025 | Late May 2025 | From 23 June 2025 |
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.
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Representing Queensland - $200 per athlete
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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.
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).
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.


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.

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.

Supporting small business learning needs


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