Background
The Australian continent has a human history estimated between
50,000 and 150,000 years old. Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples have one of the longest surviving cultures
in the world. Until the arrival of the British in 1788, Indigenous
Australians lived across the entire continent and over 250
languages were spoken.
The land is not just a source of sustenance to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples but is also the basis of
their spiritual life. The spread of British settlement was
accompanied by a drastic decline in the Aboriginal population
and the traditional land-dependent economy was destroyed as
hunting grounds were taken over for grazing and agriculture.
This was disastrous for their cultural and spiritual lives.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still suffer
the effects of colonisation. Compared with other Australians,
Indigenous people have a significantly shorter life expectancy,
poorer health, and restricted employment.
World Vision Australia is working with communities
in Australia. Below are examples of funded projects:
Epenarra - Community Development Project
This programme works in partnership with
the remote Epenarra community in the Northern Territory to
implement two projects. The Community Leadership and Governance
Project aims to assist in the development of a Community
Council to support self-governance and leaders. The Health
Promotion Project aims to increase community involvement
in health through participatory planning activities, Men’s & Women’s
Health Clubs and an In School Nutrition Program.
Armadale – Armadale Noongar Corporation
This project supports Aboriginal youth
in Armadale, Western Australia with the development of a
Social and Cultural Project and a Training & Employment
project. All projects address the social and cultural needs
of the community and underpins social development with strong
cultural foundations so that youth and their families are
equipped with a clear understanding of their social heritage.
Read more about World Vision Australia's Indigenous Partnerships
Birrung Gallery
Birrung Gallery in Sydney provides
Indigenous artists with a venue to display their artwork.
and the opportunity to showcase their artworks through exhibitions at the gallery.
The gallery is also a business that sells authentic Aboriginal art.
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