Aboriginal Fishing Trust Expenditure Committee is recruiting!

9 Feb 2021

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is calling for nominations from Aboriginal people to join the NSW Aboriginal Fishing Trust Expenditure Committee (AFTEC), NSW DPI Deputy Director General Fisheries Sean Sloan announced today.

“The Committee has the important role of helping assess applications for funds from the NSW Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund,” Mr Sloan said.

“The Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund is a component of the NSW Government’s broader program of supporting fishing access for our First Nations community.

“The Trust Fund enhances, protects and promotes Aboriginal cultural fishing as well as provides economic stimulus to our Aboriginal communities.”

Past initiatives already funded by the Trust include supporting existing commercial fishing businesses and aquaculture operations, education programs and cultural fishing workshops On Country.

Mr Sloan 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 AFTEC.

“If you have the skills and the desire to be part of this important program, we want to hear from you,” Mr Sloan said.

“The Committee makes the initial assessment of funding applications for consideration by the Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council, which then presents its views to the Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW for the final decision.”

“A rigorous assessment process is in place to ensure that funding is invested in activities that will benefit First Nations communities and support the objectives of the Trust Fund.”

The Committee is a non-statutory working group and will meet up to two times per year with membership for a term of up to three years. Expressions of interest close on 24 February 2021.

More information is available from www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or by emailing aboriginal.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Rosy Lone (02) 6391 3686 (02) 6391 3686