Call for nominations to Aboriginal Fishing Trust Expenditure Committee

4 Oct 2017

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is calling for nominations from Aboriginal people to join a new committee that will help assess applications for funds from the NSW Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund.

“The Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund will be a component of the NSW Government’s broader program of supporting fishing access for the Aboriginal community,” Acting Director DPI Fisheries Operations Cameron Westaway said.

“The Trust Fund will aim to enhance, maintain and protect Aboriginal cultural fishing as well as support Aboriginal community involvement in fisheries-related businesses.

“More information on the application criteria to access funds in the form of grants or loans will be available later in the year when the Trust Fund is expected to be fully operational.”

Mr Westaway said DPI is currently asking Aboriginal people with knowledge and expertise in business and economic development, to consider nominating for up to six positions on the new Aboriginal Fishing Trust Expenditure Committee.

“The call for nominations is now open - if you have the requisite skills and the commitment to be part of this important program please express your interest.

“An information package is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or email aboriginal.fishing@dpi.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4424 7400. Expressions of interest close on 1 November 2017.

“The Committee will be a non-statutory working group and will meet up to two times per year with membership for a term of up to three years.”

Mr Westaway said the NSW Government recently announced in the Budget that it would deliver $1.5 million in funding to the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund over three years.

“Aboriginal people will be involved upfront in the expenditure decisions to be made,” he said.

“The expenditure committee will make the initial assessment of funding applications and the Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council will then consider their comments and make formal recommendations to the Minister for Primary Industries for the final decision over expenditure.

“A rigorous assessment process has been developed to ensure that funding is invested in activities that will achieve the intended outcomes of the Trust Fund.

“A range of support services and documentation will be available to prospective applicants before, during and after the first funding round later this year.”

More about the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing/AFTF

Media contact: Phil Bevan 0419 602 508