Cultural understanding program for WA schools
Western Australian schools will deliver new Aboriginal cultural learning initiatives, with 16 schools sharing in $78,695 through the WA Government’s 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 projects that reflect local stories, histories and cultural practices. These activities extend into the classroom, supporting connections to the curriculum and enriching student learning.
“I’m proud that the PALS program gives schools the opportunity to build their cultural learning directly from the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal people in their local area,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.
“When students learn in partnership with community, they gain insight that can’t be captured in textbooks alone.
“This program helps schools build relationships that continue long after a single project finishes, encouraging ongoing learning, respect and collaboration – which is at the heart of reconciliation.”
- Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing grants awarded to 16 WA schools
- Program promotes Aboriginal cultural understanding, connection and reconciliation
- Term 3 funding recipients share in $78,695
- State Government investing in education to support a high quality of life for all Western Australians
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.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available across project categories including arts, culture and Country, language, inclusive environments and community partnerships.
Recipients of the Term 3 PALS funding round include:
- Ballajura Primary School – Aboriginal Mural;
- Banksia Grove Primary School – Cultural immersion and appreciation for Aboriginal arts;
- Burbridge School – Bidi Koort: Pathways of Heart and Country;
- Charthouse Primary School – Noongar Mural;
- Governor Stirling Senior High School – Moordij Maaman Deadly Yorga Dance Group;
- Grandis Primary School – Noongar Building Names and Sky Stories Mural;
- Honeywood Primary School – Bidi Kaartdijin: Path of Knowledge;
- Joondalup Primary School – Ngarla Wonju Noonook Boorloo (We Welcome You to Perth);
- Kalamunda Christian School – Yarning Circle and Bush Tucker Garden with Mural;
- Mullaloo Community Kindergarten – Aboriginal Mural Project;
- Quinns Beach Primary School – Our Connection To Country;
- St Michael’s School, Bassendean – Welcome, Walk, Wonder: A Noongar Cultural Experience;
- Yanchep Beach Primary School – Connection to Boodja;
- Fairview Primary School – NAIDOC 2026 activities;
- Kearnan College – Young Yarnz Workshops; and
- Avonvale Primary School – Walking Together on Country.
Applications are now open for Term 4 2025 funding, closing on 4 December 2025, for projects starting from 16 February 2026.
For more information on the PALS program and recipients funded from this round: https://www.cits.wa.gov.au/funding/creative-industries-funding/partnership-acceptance-learning-sharing-(pals)
