City awards $5,000 to empower indigenous girls through art

Published on 16 May 2019

The City of Swan is delighted to award $5,000 to the Kiara Girls Academy for its Yokayi Art project.

Girls Academy is an Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation that provides mentoring and engagement programs for school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.

The local Academy, hosted by Kiara College, provides a safe space for students to learn about their culture.

The Yokayi project encourages students to explore their creative expression through visual art, media, drama and dance.

The Kiara Girls Academy Program Manager, Lisa Semmens, said the Kiara Girls Academy is grateful for the support of the City of Swan.

“This project is a big part of our cultural connections program for the year and the weekly art sessions facilitate creativity, a sense of pride and achievement,” she said.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said that the City’s Swan Community grants are designed to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We are proud to support the Kiara Girls Academy and the important role it plays in supporting local indigenous young women and their families,” he said.

“The City offers community grants valued up to $15,000, with the next round opening in August 2019.”

Altone Ward Councillor Jennifer Catalano said that the project, which has been developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, is critical to improving student wellbeing and outcomes.

“I look forward to seeing the completed works displayed in a professionally curated exhibition later this year,” she said.

For more information about available grants and funding under the City of Swan’s Community Funding Scheme, visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/availablegrants.