Open Call: First Peoples Tourism Growth Program (Australia)

The program also includes support for the purchase of tourism business related assets to help existing or newly developed tourism products.

Objectives

• The objectives of the program are to:
  • protect and respect First Peoples culture and autonomy in determining priorities for regional tourism development
  • empower First Peoples within the tourism sector in Victoria and increase the capacity of First Peoples-led tourism businesses to pursue economic development activities as they relate to tourism
  • prioritise protecting and promoting First Peoples’ Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, heritage and history in mainstream tourism
  • strengthen connections and equitable partnerships to grow First Peoples tourism offerings and support sustainable business growth
  • invest in the long-term sustainability of First Peoples tourism and careers to foster economic prosperity and strengthen communities.

Funding Information

• Available funding
  • Grant funding of up to $125,000 (exclusive of GST) is available to each eligible entity
  • Funding may be spent over a period of up to 12 months from April 2026.

Eligible Costs

• Funding received under this program may be expended on the following project costs:
  • costs directly associated with delivering the growth projects
  • reasonable administration and overhead costs up to 10% of the total budget that relate to and/or benefit the project which have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the department
  • external professional services/consultant fees directly associated with delivering the project

Eligible Activities                   

• Eligible activities under each stream include:
  • Activities A – Workforce Development undertake accredited and non-accredited tourism training for owners and staff/tourism skills training and membership/certification supported by a brief explanation of how the activity will grow existing tourism offerings or capture a new market segment:
    • micro-credentials, accredited and non-accredited training
    • tourism certification e.g. Quality Tourism Framework, Ecotourism or Strive4Sustainability
    • tourism and/or business Memberships e.g. Kinaway, Supply Nation or Victoria Tourism Industry Council
    • other
  • Activities B – Industry Excellence and Planning support business for tourism product development and growth, undertaking strategic planning and progressing investment readiness:
    • meeting, gathering place and cultural centre concept design
    • product development
    • business case development
    • funding strategy development
    • pre-feasibility and operational viability studies
    • tourism asset and equipment requirement assessments
    • relevant technical investigations, plans and reports to progress initiatives
    • strategic asset management plans
    • tourism marketing plans and website development
  • Activities C – Cultural Heritage Stewardship cultural practice projects, language and intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives, amalgamation of sense of place, history and protocols as they pertain to tourism:
    • digitising and archiving of knowledge
    • legal costs for ICIP strategies
    • placemaking, including wayfinding and interpretive signage
    • video production and cultural practice recording and documentation of traditional songs, dances, and ceremonies
    • cultural mentorship programs
    • initiatives that preserve significant cultural sites and artifacts including revitalisation of Indigenous languages, oral histories, and cultural practices
  • Activities D – Asset Investment purchase or lease of fixed assets, plant and equipment to expand or deliver a new tourism product:
    • commercial leases for the term and purpose of the project
    • purchase of assets and equipment for the purpose of the project e.g. vehicles, watercraft, boats and kayaks, outdoor equipment for hiking and camping
    • traditional instruments and artifacts
    • craft workshop tools, supplies and equipment
    • hospitality plant, equipment and fit out
    • display cabinets and shopfitting
    • furnishings and lighting

Outcomes

• The following are the intended outcomes of the program:
  • New regional tourism initiatives and experiences representing culture and traditions, are respectful to family, community, culture and Country
  • First Peoples have identified and promoted co-investment opportunities with First Peoples communities
  • First Peoples have autonomy over visitors’ experiences of Country, heritage, stories, and culture
  • First Peoples have greater access to capital, workforce development, and skilled professionals to support delivery of authentic and culturally respectful tourism experiences
  • First Peoples are enabled to protect, preserve and tell their stories
• The following are the anticipated longer-term outcomes of the program:
  • First Peoples are empowered to enhance visitors experience through sharing of culture and Country
  • Victoria is attracting a greater share of visitors participating in First Peoples Tourism experiences
  • A connected tourism sector is sharing knowledge and supports the growth and resilience of First Peoples tourism businesses and experiences
  • Robust, thriving First Peoples businesses and communities in Victoria are creating wealth and contributing to positive outcomes for communities and Country
  • First Peoples in Victoria are generating greater individual and collective wealth
  • Visitors have more opportunities to connect with and learn from First Peoples’ culture and knowledge, including truth telling

Eligibility Criteria

• This is a targeted program, and funding is only available to recognised Victorian First Peoples-led businesses that are either already operating in the tourism sector or plan to explore opportunities in tourism.
• Applicants applying to this program must meet all the following criteria:
  • be an Aboriginal owned and operated business
  • be based in Victoria
  • hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be registered for GST
  • be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator
  • comply with applicable child safety requirements

For more information, visit DJSIR.