Elsa Dixon Employment Grant to create jobs

The NSW Government has committed $4 million to deliver job and training opportunities for Aboriginal people across the State.

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant has been named in honour of the first Aboriginal woman to secure a pilot’s licence and one of the original founders of several critical Aboriginal institutions such as the Aboriginal Medical and Legal services.

Last year, the grant created more than 300 positions, with 219 of these being school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Programs like this are an opportunity to bolster the employment of Aboriginal people and assist them in building new skills for their future,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.

“NSW is the only State or Territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity.”

The grant gives employers the extra support needed to hire new staff, keep them in work, and help them build skills. It also helps cover wages and training costs for Aboriginal employees in government, local councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Funding is available for a range of roles, including school-based traineeships, full-time jobs, and support for people finishing school or taking on adult apprenticeships. There’s also funding to help upskill current Aboriginal staff or support part-time study.

The program is already changing lives. Korey Omeragic, main picture, who started a school-based traineeship in animal care, is now working as a Trainee Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

With support from the grant, Korey has gained practical skills and is working toward his goal of a long-term career in wildlife care.

As part of its ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap and strengthening Aboriginal employment outcomes, the Minns Labor Government continues to invest in targeted initiatives such as the Barranggirra Mentoring Program.

This initiative provides culturally appropriate wraparound support to Aboriginal learners in vocational training, and Opportunity Hubs, connecting Aboriginal students with tailored education, training, and employment pathways from school to work.

Applications are now open for the 2025/26 Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant. To find out more or apply by 30 September 2025, visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/elsa-dixon-aboriginal-employment-grant