Seven community networks working to strengthen connections and opportunities in Mt Druitt will receive support to increase their impact through new place-based grants from the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF).
The networks, each made up of three or more organisations, seek to drive positive change for local children, families and/or young people, with a focus on supporting the First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in this area of western Sydney.
The $4.2 million in grant funding will help bolster their efforts in areas like breaking down barriers to education and employment for young people, fostering community art projects, resident-led advocacy, and increasing connectivity and opportunities for First Nations people.
PRF’s Chief Alliances Officer Liz Yeo said the grant program was designed to strengthen the collaborative efforts of community organisations, as they often provide the vital connective tissue required to achieve positive social change for people and places.
“As a place rich in cultural diversity, Mt Druitt has many examples of exceptional local leaders working together to achieve better outcomes for the people who live there,” Ms Yeo said.
“We’re delighted to partner with these community networks that are deeply embedded in Mt Druitt to support their efforts to build community connectedness and drive positive impact.”
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Brad Bunting said, “Mount Druitt is home to some of the most resilient and culturally diverse communities in Australia. This funding recognises the strength that already exists here, in our local leaders, our organisations, and our young people and gives them the support they need to go even further. Council is proud to be working alongside the Paul Ramsay Foundation and our community partners to back the networks that are driving real, lasting change.”
Each network will receive grant funding of $600,000 over three years. The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) will partner with the Networks and PRF, acting as a neutral convenor to support annual gatherings of the Networks, and foster conversation and collaboration.
Ms Yeo said funding networks was a new way of working for PRF, which brings with it the opportunity for learning.
“This approach will provide opportunities for PRF to learn how to successfully work with and support communities by strengthening existing community connections and enabling communities to imagine and lead their futures,” she said.
Quote attributable to Safer Communities Network
“This grant strengthens our Network to build a thriving, inclusive Mt Druitt where CALD families live with dignity, opportunity, and a stronger voice in shaping their future.”
Quote attributable to Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Group
“This grant signals a significant commitment to supporting the important work of building relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples in this area. We are excited to continue truth telling, highlighting injustice and celebrating the rich cultural history of Aboriginal Peoples, however the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation will enable us to do so much more!”
Quote attributable to FUNPARK
“This funding represents a powerful investment in the creativity and leadership of Mt Druitt’s young people. FUNPARK has always been about handing the mic to youth - giving them the tools, space, and confidence to tell their own stories and shape their own futures. With support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation, we can deepen our community partnerships and strengthen the role of arts and culture as a driver of local change.”
Quote attributable to Daniel Daylight, Manager Just Reinvest NSW on behalf of Mounty Aboriginal Youth and Community Network
“Our young people are not problems to be fixed — they’re the leaders of the solutions. Everything we’re doing comes from their voices, their visions, and their courage to imagine something better. This grant helps strengthen what we’ve already started together — a movement led by young people, grounded in culture, and built to create real change in Mt Druitt.”
Quote attributable to the Culture Collective
“The Paul Ramsay Foundation grant will support an Aboriginal led initiative in Mount Druitt to grow and develop. It will support young people to thrive by leaning into their rich Aboriginal cultural identity and support them to build their connections and skills in leadership and kinship."
Quote attributable to Delander Hayes, Jesuit Social Services, on behalf of the Together in 2770 Network
“Together in 2770 is all about strengthening community cohesion and building the capacity of people to advocate and drive for change, particularly around issues such as transport, housing and infrastructure. This grant will allow us to continue to work in, and alongside, the local community to create stronger outcomes and opportunities for all."
The Strengthening Mt Druitt Grant recipients
Safer Communities Network
The Safer Communities network primarily serves young people facing educational and employment barriers and families managing the complexities of social isolation, cultural integration, and economic challenges. It provides culturally sensitive, inclusive programs that celebrate diversity and foster a strong sense of belonging.
Members: Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency, Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW (Mount Druitt), Blacktown Council, Chifley College schools (Bidwill and Mt Druitt Campus), Global Skills, Philosophy in Schools NSW, Savannah Pride, LEAD Professional Development Assoc.
Together in 2770
Together in 2770 is a collective impact initiative focusing on resident-led change. It represents a united voice to advocate for more equitable services to the outer suburbs of 2770; especially on transport, housing and infrastructure.
Members: The Hive Mt Druitt, Bidwill Uniting, BaptistCare HopeStreet, Connect Children & Families, The Salvation Army, Lethbridge Park Community Service Centre, Willmot Community Group, Blacktown Council, Mission Australia, Jesuit Social Services
Culture Collective
The Culture Collective builds connection to culture by strengthening relationships in the community and promoting storytelling to foster community pride and wellbeing.
Members: Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenise, Jarara Cultural Centre
FUNPARK
FUNPARK is an ongoing art program with some specific events led by young people to build confidence, agency and power share with young people to drive change in Mt Druitt. It has been operating for nearly a decade.
Members: Learning Ground (Chain Reaction Foundation), Bidwill Uniting, CuriousWorks
Mounty Aboriginal Youth and Community Network
This network prioritises supporting young people (particularly First Nations peoples in contact with the justice system) in leading meaningful change. This includes establishing an Aboriginal-controlled youth service in Mt Druitt and protecting young people from harmful systems, by advocating for improvements
Members: Just Reinvest NSW, Western Sydney Watch Committee, Ngroo Aboriginal Corporation, Tregear Primary School, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation
Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Group
This Network works to develop a culture of empathy and understanding that starts to bring healing to First Nations peoples, as well develop a culture of appreciation for First Nations culture. They promote truth telling by providing opportunities for First Nations peoples to tell their stories. They advocate with and alongside First Nations peoples to remove barriers that create systemic injustices. They promote the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples.
Members: Bidwill Uniting, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Jarara Cultural Centre, Learning Ground, Blacktown Council, Junaya Family Development Services, Blacktown Area Community Services, Various individual members (residents)
2770 Indigenous Community Excellence Network
This Network provides education and employmentpathways for First Nations young people through connection to culture.
Members: National Indigenous Culinary Institute, Kimberwalli, NRL School 2 Work, Chifley College schools, Asuria People Services, Gadi Services
