NSW Government Grants $250,000 to Angus Knight Foundation to Boost Employment for First Nations Women

The Angus Knight Foundation (AKG Foundation) has received a $250,000 grant from the NSW Government to empower First Nations women and girls through the Return to Work Pathways Program. The Women's Business Return to Work project, led by AKG Foundation, aims to create better economic opportunities and advancement for women.

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, has emphasized the significance of increasing women's participation in the workforce as a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and ensuring economic security. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by different communities, Minister Harrison expressed her support for the Women's Business Return to Work project, which provides a culturally safe space for Aboriginal women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership roles.

The AKG Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Indigenous Peoples, concentrates on community development and employment initiatives designed with First Nations women in mind. Their Women's Business Hubs serve as nurturing environments where women can dream, imagine, and transform their lives. These hubs offer invaluable resources, including employment pathways, quality learning opportunities, entrepreneurship guidance, and vocational training workshops.

Christianna Cartwright, CEO & Chair of the AKG Foundation, expressed delight in delivering the NSW Government's Return to Work Pathways Program. Recognizing the adversity faced by First Nations women, Cartwright highlighted the extraordinary skills, knowledge, and boundless potential identified in the 2020 Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report. She affirmed the foundation's commitment to providing social, emotional, and practical support to advance the economic participation and empowerment of women and girls.

The AKG Foundation operates across multiple council areas in NSW, including Blacktown City, Coffs Harbour City, Kempsey Shire, Newcastle City, and Penrith City. This wide reach ensures that the government's funding will benefit numerous First Nations women throughout the state.

The Return to Work Pathways Program encompasses 13 successful projects, investing a total of $2.7 million. Over the next two years, these projects will empower more than 1,000 women by providing them with the resources they need to enter the workforce and build successful careers. The programme supports inclusive growth by encouraging long-term employment and job preparation, which helps the economy recover after COVID.

The partnership between the NSW Government and the AKG Foundation underscores their shared commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for First Nations women and advancing social and economic equality. This project is a critical step towards ensuring that all women in New South Wales have a bright future.