garinga djimbayang Grant Program

garinga djimbayang means to grow and learn in Dja Dja Wurrung Language. Agriculture Victoria thanks Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation for allowing the use of their language to name this program.

About the program

The garinga djimbayang Grant Program supports partnerships between TAFEs and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in Victoria to embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices in elements of accredited agriculture training. It is a part of the Agricultural College Modernisation Program.

The program’s objectives are to:

  • integrate Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into elements of accredited agriculture training
  • ensure accredited training delivered through the program is culturally safe
  • encourage more First Nations people to pursue training and/or careers in agriculture
  • recognise the value of Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices in agriculture.

Available funding

Funding is available for grants of between $300,000 and $1 million for eligible projects that are selected through a single competitive round.

Applicant eligibility

Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in Victoria are eligible to apply as a lead applicant in partnership with a TAFE as primary partner.

Victorian TAFEs, including dual-sector universities in their capacity as TAFEs (Swinburne TAFE, RMIT, Federation University and Victoria University) are eligible to apply as the lead applicant with a RAP as primary partner only if they can demonstrate either of the following:

  • They have an established relationship with a RAP that will be built on through the project.
  • The TAFE has sufficient experience partnering with Aboriginal organisations to demonstrate it can develop a new relationship with a relevant RAP proposed to partner on the project.

Project eligibility

Funding is available for projects to embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices in the design and delivery of accredited agriculture training by tailoring training (for a unit of competency or selected units of competency, skill set or course) and then delivering it to a cohort of students. Projects must consider how cultural safety for First Nations students will be improved and how First Nations students can be attracted and retained in the courses.

The projects will be place-based and knowledge about Country will be embedded in selected curriculum content.

Projects must be delivered in Victoria and demonstrate a benefit to Victoria to be eligible.

For more details on project eligibility, please refer to the program guidelines linked below.

Grant guidelines

Supporting documents

How to apply

Please follow the steps outlined in the grant guidelines, ensuring all relevant information has been provided in your application. There is a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and application checklist to help you with your application.

There are 2 ways to submit your application by 5 pm on Wednesday 11 September 2024:

  • Email your application
    Download the application form (Microsoft Word format) and budget template, and email them to skillsandsafety@agriculture.vic.gov.au, addressing all selection criteria and providing all necessary documentation (please refer to the guidelines for acceptable file types).
  • Use the Grants Online portal
    Go to the DEECA grants online portal to submit an online application.
    Please ensure you attach all required documents in accepted format and file types.
    Applications can be saved as a draft and returned to at a later time by revisiting the Grants Online portal.

Use the application checklist to ensure you have all relevant documentation.

More information

The FAQs provide a range of useful information.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about the garinga djimbayang Grant Program or discuss your project idea, please email the skillsandsafety@agriculture.vic.gov.au mailbox with your name, organisation and phone number, and a departmental representative will call you back.

Page last updated: 11 Jun 2024