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.
Australia's Mental Health Think Tank
Stimulating bold thinking around a national response to mental health by convening leading thinkers and actors to democratize knowledge and advocate for evidence-based policy for an improved mental health system. The Think Tank is chaired by Professor Maree Teesson AC and led by the Matilda Center at the University of Sydney.
Early Years Catalyst
A national collaboration working with organizations to improve early childhood development outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.
Program updates
View all newsA 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.
65 days ago
Australia program
Australians voice concerns over growing mental health pressure points
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on us all, with outbreaks and lockdowns disrupting people’s lives. Education systems, social interactions, job losses and housing affordability are just some of the drivers for the high rates of mental illness and psychological toll, particularly on young Australians.
191 days ago
Australia program
Indigenous Governance Awards celebrating Indigenous-led excellence
The winners and highly commended organizations of the 2022 Indigenous Governance Awards were announced on Wednesday 8 June at a ceremony in Sydney. The BHP Foundation has a long standing association with the Awards since their inception in 2005.
237 days ago
Australia program
Is anything possible young Aussie inventors say yes
Australia’s best and brightest STEM talent are proving anything is possible.
300 days ago
Australia program