MIDLAND’S Koya Aboriginal Corporation has received a $500,000 Lotterywest grant to deliver the Djaling Koya (Listening to the Frog Call) Project, an initiative designed to strengthen the organisation’s capacity and support its sustainable growth.

The project will help Koya build the foundations needed to continue delivering culturally grounded services and respond to the evolving needs of Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.

The grant will fund a range of initiatives, including project staffing, governance and leadership development, community engagement resources, digital communications, monitoring and evaluation, a client relationship management system, and administrative support.

The funds will also improve organisational co-ordination, efficiency and strategic planning, enabling Koya to enhance program delivery, foster new partnerships and strengthen its advocacy for Aboriginal children, young people and families.

A Koya Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson said the organisation was delighted to receive a $500,000 Lotterywest grant to support its Djaling Koya project.

“As a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned and led community-controlled organisation, Koya has a long and proud history of working alongside Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities, delivering culturally safe programs that promote wellbeing, healing, education, cultural identity and connection to community,” they said.

“This significant investment will enable Koya to strengthen its organisational capacity, develop its workforce, improve its systems and resources, and expand opportunities for cultural learning, community engagement and storytelling.

“Importantly, the grant recognises that investing in the strength and sustainability of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations is also an investment in the communities they serve.

“For Koya, this funding represents an opportunity to build on over 22 years of grassroots community work, ensuring the organisation has the people, systems and resources needed to respond to increasing community needs while remaining firmly grounded in Aboriginal culture, knowledge and leadership.”

Established in 2004, Midland-based Koya Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal-owned and led not-for-profit organisation that delivers culturally responsive programs and services that support Aboriginal and vulnerable children, young people and families.

Since 2010, Koya Aboriginal Corporation has received four Lotterywest grants, totalling $978,515.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said the Koya Aboriginal Corporation has a strong track record of delivering culturally safe and community-led services that make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal children, young people and families.

“This Lotterywest grant will strengthen Koya’s organisational capability, ensuring it has the staff, systems and governance structures needed to continue growing and responding to community needs.

Further information can be found on the Koya website.