Indigenous Community Festivals

The Australian Government provides $3.05 million annually under the Community Festivals for Education Engagement program.

This funding supports events that encourage school attendance, retention and healthy lifestyles for all young Australians, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in regional, rural and remote communities.

14 Community Festivals will be held across the country in 2009 and events will each run for two or more days.

Their aim is to encourage students to attend school regularly, to complete year 12 and to pursue further educational and employment opportunities. The events promote a minimum school attendance rate of 85 per cent.

The events also promote a greater understanding of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Activities will include access to role models and workshops on the creative and performing arts with the emphasis on literacy, numeracy, confidence building, teamwork, health and wellbeing, sustainability and tolerance.

There will also be information and advice on health matters, careers and educational opportunities.

The Australian Government is committed to closing the gaps in educational achievement, employment opportunities and life expectancy faced by Indigenous Australians.