Australian Government contributes $4 million to back Indigenous students' sport and study

The Federal Government will be backing Indigenous students in their education and study through a $4 million investment in a new Centre for Aboriginal Excellence and Leadership at the Port Adelaide Football Club’s Alberton Oval precinct in South Australia.

The announcement forms part of the $138 million Indigenous education package announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in May to improve educational outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Commenting on the funding, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Senator Nigel Scullion stated “sport has the unique capacity to unite all of us. The ability to go to your local park and kick a football is a hallmark in communities all across Australia.

“This new Centre in the Port Adelaide precinct will provide an integrated hub to support young Aboriginal students in their educational journey and will offer short and long-term accommodation, onsite learning as well as health and wellbeing programs and facilities.”

The Federal Government is also investing $60,000 through the Regional Anangu Services Aboriginal Corporation to redevelop the Indulkana Oval on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.

This grant will enhance the range of school attendance activities already under-way in the community, including the Government's Remote School Attendance Strategy and Power Community Ltd’s WillPOWER program.

Senator Scullion added “currently the Indulkana Oval is in a poor state, covered in weeds and bindies, making it difficult for young people to use it.

“The (Government)'s investment will hopefully make it possible for the local community to fully enjoy the oval but also have a positive impact on local school attendance.

Image: A 2015 celebration of Port Adelaide's Indigenous support at Alberton Oval.

15th April 2016 - PORT ADELAIDE AND THE AFL SIGN MOU TO PLAY 2017 PREMIERSHIP MATCH IN CHINA

13th February 2014 - SPORT AND LEARNING ACADEMY FOR TOP YOUNG ABORIGINAL AFL PROSPECTS

15th July 2013 - AFL MULTICULTURAL ROUND CELEBRATES DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

16th September 2012 - AFL ADVANCES ACADEMY IN CODE’S INDIGENOUS HEARTLAND

9th December 2011 - AFL INDIGENOUS PROGRAM RECEIVES BEYOND SPORT AWARD 

8th November 2011 - DARE’S NEW CONSULTANCY LEADS THE WAY

9th December 2010 - REMOTE FACILITY BUILDS ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT