Daily news digest April 21

Key news stories reported today across Australia include arts funding, cricket success and incarceration rates in the ACT.

Arts Funding Boost:
The Federal government has announced an additional funding boost for the Indigenous visual arts sector to support the industry’s growth.

Youth Leadership and Sport:
A long-running partnership between Transport for NSW and AFL NSW/ACT has been extended until 2028. This program, known as the First Nations youth program, combines Australian Rules football with leadership development and road safety education for youth aged 12 to 16.

Cricket Success:
Western Australia has claimed victory at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, led by Brock Larance.

Yarning Art Competition:
Today marks three weeks until the closing date for the Yarning Art Competition, which is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students across Australia.

Healthcare and Social Issues

Incarceration Rates:
New data released today indicates that the ACT has the highest rate of jailing Indigenous children in the nation, with Indigenous people being incarcerated at 14.5 times the rate of non-Indigenous Australians.

Health Advocacy:
Lung Foundation Australia is currently urging Indigenous communities to “Protect Your Mob” by getting early flu vaccinations ahead of the winter season.

Global Recognition:
At a UN forum today, discussions highlighted that Indigenous peoples globally, including in Australia, still face significantly lower life expectancies—up to 20 years shorter than non-Indigenous populations—which was described as a “moral failure”.