Plea to Government over Kimberley Girl funds
Kimberley MP Josie Farrer has written to Department of Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier, demanding funding be reinstated for Kimberley Girl.
The program's organisers told the Broome Advertiser last week this year's event was in threat of not being delivered after the State Government withdrew funding support.
The highly successful indigenous leadership program, run by Goolarri Media, has helped hundreds of young Aboriginal women become role models and achieve their dreams since it was launched in 2004.
Kimberley Girl celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.
DAA has provided a total of $163,000 to Goolarri Media since 2011 to deliver a range of programs including Kimberley Girl through the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement.
However, a DAA spokesman confirmed RSD funding was scheduled to end this June and would be unable to continue to provide funding for the program.
Ms Farrer said it was "extremely disappointing" the State Government was withdrawing its commitment to provide further support and financial assistance to Kimberley Girl.
"This is a flag-flying program for the north and has provided young indigenous women with essential life skills and tools to make good decision for their futures, such as continued education," she said.
"I know the young ladies who have been involved in Kimberley Girl over the years, and it is remarkable to see them flourishing after participating in the workshops.
"They have become excellent role models to the younger girls."
A spokeswoman for Ms Farrer said the Kimberley politician had written a letter to Mr Collier last week to highlight the importance of the program for young Aboriginal women, and requested a commitment from the State Government to secure a long-term funding agreement to ensure Kimberley Girl was a permanent annual event.
