Strengthening Families and Communities – The Watiku Project

Overview

The Australian Government is inviting the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPYWC), via a one-off ad hoc process to apply to deliver services under the Strengthening Families and Communities (SFC) – The Watiku Project. This initiative is under the Strengthening Families and Communities Partnership in the Outcome 2 – Families and Communities area in 2025. The SFC – The Watiku Project grant opportunity will provide funding for initiatives strengthening First Nations family and community safety in Central Australia, that communities across the NPY lands have said are the right approach. This grant opportunity is intended to provide funding for community-led support services including youth support, social support, recreation and community connection activities. This opportunity intends to fund programs that enable communities to develop stronger connections and enable generational empowerment. The SFC – The Watiku Project funding will be used to support elders connect and teach young men to grow to be leaders in their communities, and to reconnect young men with cultural knowledge and practices to support strengthened wellbeing and mental health. The Watiku Project will also support healing of Anangu men at Alice Springs Prison through visits from a community Ngangkari (traditional healer) and through discussions about being a good man, caring for families and finding the right path.