The Australian government has announced a significant $20 million investment to support African Australian communities through community-led, grassroots programs. The initiative brings the largest funding package ever to be provided for African-Australian communities by the federal government. The funding aims to address the acute needs of these communities across the country. The first major project to benefit from this funding is the African Village initiative in Brisbane, which will receive $4 million as part of this groundbreaking effort.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill being interviewed by AMA’s Clyde Sharady
The African Australian Communities Program (AACP), which will be rolled out over four years starting from 2025-26, seeks to empower organisations that have demonstrated success in delivering impactful projects for African Australians. The program is designed to provide much-needed resources to organisations dedicated to supporting individuals and families, particularly young people at risk within the African Australian community.
Screenshot
One of the standout projects to receive early support is the African Village initiative, led by the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC). QACC will be invited to apply for funding to further develop its successful African Village hubs, located in Moorooka, Geebung, and Redbank Plains. These hubs have become critical spaces for the community, offering support and structured activities for individuals, families, and schools to engage young African Australians and provide early-stage intervention for those at risk.
The AACP’s funding will be delivered across two streams. Stream One: A total of $16 million will be allocated over four years from 2025-26 for a closed grants process. African-led organisations, as well as others with proven capacity, will be invited to apply for funding to deliver projects that meet community needs. Priority investments will be shaped in consultation with State and Territory Governments.
Stream Two: An additional $4 million will be made available over three years starting from 2026-27. This funding will be distributed through an open, competitive process to build the capacity of community-led grassroots organisations, offering practical support to address pressing community issues.
“Communities nationwide have highlighted the unique challenges faced by young African Australians, and the government is acting to support grassroots organisations with community-led initiatives that are proven to work”, stated Julian Hill, assistant minister for citizenship and multicultural affaires.
“The African Village project is the first selected, given its proven track record delivering for more than 63,000 African Australian individuals and communities across Queensland. This funding will support the expansion of their African Village networks, helping young African Australians at risk”, added the minister.
Mr Hill also says he has written to Queensland’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs, proposing a partnership with the Commonwealth through co-investment in the African Village and other initiatives.
This investment marks an important step toward supporting the African Australian community through tailored programs that address specific challenges, ensuring long-term impact and sustainable growth.
