More than half a million dollars of funding will go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in the ACT for support during the coronavirus outbreak.
The ACT government said $580,000 will be allocated to culturally specific programs to help provide services while COVID-19 is ongoing.
The organisations to receive support include Winnunga Nimmityjah, Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Corporation and Relationships Australia Dhunlung Yarra.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Rachel-Stephen Smith said the funding allowed for critical work to continue in Canberra's Indigenous community during the pandemic.
"Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a range of vulnerabilities which place them disproportionately at risk during this pandemic, including a greater likelihood of having underlying health conditions," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
"Most importantly, it will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to a range of services and support programs that are community controlled, culturally appropriate and specific to the needs of the community."
It follows $250,000 in funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and suicide prevention initiatives from the ACT government.
Winnunga Nimmityjah will receive $100,000 for a range of wellbeing support mechanisms for individuals and families in the latest funding boost.
Relationships Australia Dhunlung Yarra will get $100,000 to expand counselling and conflict resolution services, while $75,000 will go to Canberra Rape Crisis Centre's Nguru Program, which provides counselling for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation and Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation will get $20,000 each to support people who are going through the justice system.
An additional $65,000 will go to grassroots organisations to support connection to culture and mental health, as well as support for funerals.
"This funding acknowledges the strength of Canberra's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and organisations and the work that has already been happening to support the community during COVID-19," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
The largest amount handed out in the new round of funding will be given to Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, with $200,000 to be spent on youth support services.
The corporation's executive director, Kim Davison, said the financial support allowed the group to ease some of the pressure on Canberra's Indigenous community.
"Many families here in the ACT are struggling for basic services, not only financially, but being able to get to supports and basic food has been a challenge," she said.
"Gugan sees many families struggle on a daily basis and being able to provide extra supports during these trying times will hopefully alleviate some of the pressures."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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