Australia Program
To shape a more equitable and sustainable Australia through a focus on Indigenous self-determination and the wellbeing of children and young people.
95%of Australians believe it is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in matters that affect them
20%of children in Australia start school developmentally vulnerable
Our approach
Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organizations in their drive toward self-determined development
and building trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors to advance systemic reform toward Indigenous rights and self-determination.
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Ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people
by addressing the systemic barriers faced by children and young people in accessing their rights and becoming agents of their own lives and futures.
Partners & projects
Supporting self-determined governance for Indigenous development outcomes
Through evidence based tools, resources and a range of development, training and advisory offerings, the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) supports excellence in self-determined governance for Indigenous individuals, communities, nations and organizations in Australia, contributing to improved outcomes for Indigenous Australians and to a broader change in Australia that all citizens can be proud of.
Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education
Narragunnawali supports schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that actively engage the hearts and minds of future generations to contribute to the reconciliation process.
Indigenous Governance
The Indigenous Governance Program supports governance, leadership and self-determination in First Nations-led organizations and communities.
STEM Together
Supporting Australia’s future innovation by increasing engagement and participation of underrepresented students in STEM learning and career pathways.
Right care, first time, where you live
Using the latest advances in systems modeling and simulation to empower communities to allocate local resources and funding in youth mental health care in a targeted way.
The Mentally Healthy Futures Project
The University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre is working collaboratively in breaking down silos to improve youth mental health. This five-year project supports the continuation of Australia's Mental Health Think Tank, with a particular focus on improving outcomes to improve the mental health of Australians now and into the future, by providing holistic, evidence-based policy recommendations.
Early Years Catalyst
A national collaboration working with organizations to improve early childhood development outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.
Sustaining successful outcomes
It has been the Foundation's privilege to partner with leading organizations for many years on innovative projects, as they now build on the successful outcomes from the project and continue to amplify their impact.
Australia's Mental Health Think Tank
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic profound disruption on young Australians' mental health, this project combined the best evidence, together with lived experience accounts to propose a Mental Health Recovery Package. The recommendations aim to democratize knowledge and advocate for evidence-based policy for an improved mental health system.
Learn moreProgram updates
View all newsApplications for awards supporting effective governance and Indigenous self-determination are open
The Indigenous Governance Awards (IGA) recognize the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organizations and projects that, through their effective governance models, make outstanding contributions to communities and to Australia. Applications for the IGAs 2024 are open.
65 days ago
Australia program
Celebrating outstanding reconciliation in education initiatives in Australia
Schools and early learning services leading the way for fostering knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions were celebrated at the Narragunnawali Reconciliation in Education Awards in Canberra last week.
139 days ago
Australia program
Commitment to reconciliation starts in the classroom
The Narragunnawali Program includes an educational online platform that provides practical ways for educators to introduce meaningful reconciliation initiatives in the classroom, essential to supporting the growing reconciliation movement across Australia.
324 days ago
Australia program
A powerful combination: First Nations culture and STEM
Congratulations to Mr. George Pantazis of Marble Bar Primary School, who has received the Australian 2022 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. George was recognized for combining western pedagogy with First Nations culture and knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. Using two-way learning, he empowers students to become teachers and showcase First Nations science to the world.
505 days ago
Australia program