PALS program empowering reconciliation through education
Western Australian schools will deliver initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal cultural learning, with 41 schools sharing in $192,667 through the State Government’s Term 4 Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
PALS provides schools with investment to work alongside local Aboriginal Elders, artists, language speakers, and knowledge holders to deliver activities that reflect local stories, histories, and cultural practices. These activities extend into the classroom, supporting connections to the curriculum and enriching student learning.
“Programs like PALS give schools the opportunity to learn directly from Aboriginal knowledge holders and communities, helping students better understand the cultural heritage that shapes Western Australia,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.
“These projects allow students to connect with Country, language, stories, and artistic traditions in meaningful ways while building respectful partnerships with local Aboriginal people.”
Key points
- Government investing in education and reconciliation for next generation of Western Australians
- Grant funding of $192,667 shared between 41 schools
- Program promotes Aboriginal cultural understanding and connection
Grants of up to $5,000 are available across project categories including arts, culture and Country, language, inclusive environments, and community partnerships.
The program encourages students to learn in ways that are place-based and community-informed, helping deepen understanding of Aboriginal cultures and contributions, and supporting schools to take further steps on their reconciliation journey.
Administered by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, PALS is open to all WA primary and secondary schools, as well as Department of Education-funded kindergartens.
PALS Term 1 funding round is currently open for applications, closing 4pm, 26 March 2026. The round will support activities starting from 4 May 2026.
Acting Education Minister Jackie Jarvis said the program supported schools to create authentic learning experiences that bring Aboriginal culture, knowledge, and perspectives into the classroom.
“Working alongside local Elders, artists, and community members ensures these projects are grounded in cultural authority and local knowledge,” she said.
Recipients of the Term 4 PALS funding round include:
Perth
Armadale Education Support Centre – $5,000 for Exploring and Building Understanding of Aboriginal Culture
Australian Islamic College, Henley Brook Campus – $5,000 for Indigenous Cultural Tours
Aveley North Primary School – $5,000 for Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-way Science and Respectful Relationships
Baldivis Gardens Primary School – $5,000 for NAIDOC Cultural Performance
Ballajura Community College – $5,000 for Connecting to Country and Culture
Bannister Creek Primary School – $5,000 for Culturally Responsive Futures Program
Beckenham Primary School – $5,000 for Aboriginal Artwork and Acknowledgment of Country Signage
Beldon Education Support Centre – $5,000 for Cultural Awareness Program
Calista Primary School – $5,000 for NAIDOC Week and Noongar Boodja Garden Upgrade
Chidlow Primary School – $4,000 for Collaborative Mural Design and Creation
Comet Bay Primary School – $5,000 for Young Yarnz Incursion
Coolbellup Community School – $5,000 for Noongar Seasons Cultural Learning Garden
Dianella Secondary College – $5,000 for Boodja Kaadadjiny (Land Learning)
Embleton Primary School – $5,000 for Noongar Theatre, Music and Language
Fremantle Language Development Centre – $5,000 for Connection to Country
Malibu School – $5,000 for Yarning Circle Garden
Mater Dei College – $4,790 for The Whadjuk Gift
Mindarie Primary School – $5,000 for Mindarie’s Story
Newton Primary School – $3,900 for Djinda Kaatijin Performance
Secret Harbour Primary School – $4,510 for Noongar Waangkan
Somerly Primary School – $5,000 for Caring for Country Together
St Peter’s Primary School – $4,220 for Noongar Culture and Connection to Country
Swan View Primary School – $4,100 for NAIDOC Celebrations
Wembley Downs Primary School – $5,000 for Bush Tucker Garden
Yule Brook College – $5,000 for Series of Aboriginal Cultural Activities
Great Southern
Albany Secondary Education Support Centre – $5,000 for Bush Education Initiative: Connecting to Country
Albany Senior High School – $5,000 for Connecting to Korndarup
Pilbara
Baynton West Primary School – $5,000 for Connecting to Ngurra, Language and Traditional Knowledge
Tom Price Primary School – $5,000 for Guruma Dreaming Mural Project
South West
Cooinda Primary School – $5,000 for Noongar Six Seasons Painting
Cowaramup Primary School – $2,700 for Our Connection to Culture
Eaton Community College – $4,000 for School Wetland Improvement Project
Eaton Primary School – $5,000 for Learning Together
Harvey Primary School – $3,000 for NAIDOC Celebrations
Newton Moore Senior High School – $5,000 for Community, Culture, Art, On Country Language Understanding and Development
Rapids Landing Primary School – $5,000 for NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Wheatbelt
Dumbleyung Primary School – $2,700 for Connecting to Country
Goomalling Primary School – $4,750 for Building Culture On Country
Narrogin Primary School – $5,000 for Learning Together on Noongar Country
Mid West
Yalgoo Primary School – $5,000 for Two-way Science On Country Learning
Northampton District High School – $4,997 for Two-way Science Learning and NAIDOC Activities
Applications for future PALS funding rounds will continue to support schools to deliver locally led cultural initiatives that strengthen understanding, respect, and relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Western Australians.
