Community Grants Deliver Food, Healthcare and Job Opportunities for First Nations Australians
 

Emergency food supplies, critical dental care and support for First Nations people to prepare for job interviews are just some of the initiatives which leading energy infrastructure company Jemena is proud to support through its First Nations Community Grants Program.

Five organisations across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory will share $48,000 in funding through the program in communities where Jemena operates.

Jemena Corporate Affairs General Manager, Tania Coltman, said the grants demonstrate Jemena's ongoing commitment to reconciliation and delivering meaningful outcomes alongside First Nations communities.

"This NAIDOC Week, we’re pleased to announce these grants supporting organisations that are making a real difference on the ground every day – whether that's helping families access food, supporting young people into employment, strengthening cultural connection or providing practical pathways to education and training," Ms Coltman said.

“Some of the statistics around our First Nations communities highlight some of the challenges we wanted to help address with our grants.

“For example, while between 4-13 per cent of Australia’s general population experiences food insecurity, rates rise to 22-23 per cent for First Nations people, depending on where they live [1]. Which means through our Community Grants program we’re really pleased to fund initiatives to help address this, alongside supporting people to obtain meaningful work, and obtain critical health care.

"Our grants program also supports the aims of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, through which we’re committed to creating opportunities for First Nations people and building lasting relationships with communities in the areas we service."

Since launching its Community Grants Program in 2019, Jemena has awarded almost $1 million to organisations delivering positive social outcomes, including initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The First Nations Community Grants Program forms part of Jemena’s commitment to reconciliation and supports the objectives of the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan. By partnering with Indigenous-led organisations and investing in initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and create pathways to employment, the program helps turn Jemena’s commitment to meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples into practical action.

2026 First Nations Community Grants Recipients

Wiradjuri Nation/ Dubbo, NSW

• EM-power Foundation, $10,000 – Funding will support a Native Food and Culture Careers Expo, helping Aboriginal students connect with culture while exploring education and employment pathways in the growing native foods sector. The project is expected to provide direct engagement and career opportunities for local First Nations students.

Lands of the Awakabal and Worimi peoples/ Newcastle

• Gari Yala, $10,000 – Jemena's grant will support a community food pantry providing emergency food and essential items to homeless Aboriginal people, Elders, single parents and families experiencing hardship. The program supports between 300 and 500 people each year.

Darug Nation/ Western Sydney, NSW

• Mobileyes and Dental Foundation, $10,000 – Funding will provide dental care plans for 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, improving health outcomes, self-confidence and access to education and employment opportunities.

Land of the Wurumungu people/ Tennant Creek, NT

• Foodbank SA & NT, $10,000 – The grant will help provide disaster-preparedness food hampers, water and essential supplies for local families, as well as Christmas hampers distributed through established school breakfast programs, supporting community resilience and food security.

Land of the Kalkadoon people/ Mount Isa, Queensland

• Martyr Training Services, $8,000 – Jemena's funding will help establish a Transport and Logistics Employment Simulation and Industry Readiness Hub, providing practical training and employment preparation for an estimated 40 to 60 First Nations participants in its first year.

Jemena thanks all organisations that applied and looks forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will deliver for First Nations people, families and communities.

ENDS

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