Aboriginal Community Development Fund
Targeting issues, needs & opportunities of local Aboriginal communities
The next meeting of the ACDF Committee will be Thursday 7th December 2023. Please submit your Application for Funding by Friday 23rd November 2023.
History
MACH Energy Australia (MACH) oversees commitments relating to their Aboriginal Community Development Fund (ACDF). The Fund was amongst the community benefits identified in 2005 as part of a Native Title Agreement with the Wonnarua People, as represented by Victor Perry. MACH welcomes the opportunity this provides for us to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability and well-being of Aboriginal communities in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Established in 2006, the ACDF had a starting fund of $500k, which is indexed against CPI each year. Since that time, the Fund has invested more than $4M into projects that benefit Upper Hunter Valley Aboriginal communities. Funds not allocated at the end of each calendar year are transferred to a Future Fund. The existing Fund expires in 2026. The ACDF committee continues to meet regularly to review submissions made for funding support and monitor the progress and benefits of existing partnerships. MACH representatives form part of the committee to administer funds and manage partnerships.
The ACDF seeks to support partnerships that target issues, needs and opportunities which are priorities for local Aboriginal communities in areas such as health; economic development; cultural and community development and education.
ACDF Committee
Tony Jarrett
ACDF Independent Chairperson
Aunty Jean Hands
ACDF Committee Member
Fiona Murray
ACDF Committee Member
Glen Morris
ACDF Committee Member
Malcolm Franks
ACDF Committee Member
Renee MacDonald
ACDF Committee Member
Cultural Spectacular
The Aboriginal Community Development Fund and MACH Energy Mount Pleasant Operation presented its third Cultural Spectacular on Saturday 21st May 2022. This ‘spectacular’ biennial event is a free family friendly celebration of Aboriginal Culture, history, and Country, and is open to everyone in our community.
Popular Australian musician and headline act Mitch Tambo was joined by ARIA Award winning R&B Artist Miiesha, comedian and emcee, Sean Choolburra, ‘Puwampi Unti Kunarr’ St Catherine's Catholic College, Singleton Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Group, and many other local performers and entertainers.
Who Can Apply?
Applications may be made by members of the Upper Hunter Valley Aboriginal community who can demonstrate they have been a resident within the Shires of Muswellbrook, Singleton or Upper Hunter for a minimum of three years. Applications can also be made by service providers, organisations or groups who undertake work for the benefit of Aboriginal people living in these locations.
For more information about the ACDF or to discuss an application or progress report, please contact MACH Energy External Relations Manager and ACDF Executive Officer, Ngaire Baker at Ngaire.baker@machenergy.com.au
Only one application per year can be made by an individual or organisation. As a guide, eligible applicants are regarded as those who:
- Can demonstrate they can make effective use of the funds
- Are willing and able to measure the performance of the project
- Can work in partnership with the ACDF