Institute of Indigenous Wellbeing and Sport WA receives major grant to fund youth cultural camps on Country

The Institute of Indigenous Wellbeing and Sport WA has welcomed a significant grant to fund its cultural camps for young Aboriginal people in the Kwinana area and beyond. South Metropolitan MLC Stephen Pratt presented the $36,822 Lotterywest grant to the Institute’s chief executive Barry Winmar last Tuesday. The Kwinana-based organisation is well known in the community for its cultural programs, which span 20 schools and 30 local government authorities. The programs are aimed at maximising opportunities for Aboriginal young people to participate in sport and recreation to produce a range of social, cultural, educational and health outcomes not only for individuals but their respective communities too. The major grant will primarily help the Institute expand its successful cultural camp pilot to deliver two youth cultural camps for Indigenous people aged 12-16. The Institute collaborates with the Australian Red Cross, community leaders, WA Police and other Aboriginal organisations to support the camps. They involve taking young people out on to country and supports them in fostering self-identity and confidence through culture, influences positive behaviours, and encourages pathways to successful futures. The funding will also go towards professional development and website upgrades. Mr Pratt commended Mr Winmar’s extensive work with young people and promoting the impact of sport on community wellbeing. “Maintaining an active lifestyle and building resilience in the community is really important, so I am happy to see that this Lotterywest funding will support cultural camps, website upgrades and professional development to help young Aboriginal people in the Perth metropolitan area,” he said.