MARCH 30, 2016: FUNDING is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups who want to celebrate NAIDOC Week as part of the Liberal National Government’s commitment to the celebration of the history, culture and achievements of First Australians.The 2016 NAIDOC grant funding round is part of a more than $2 million commitment from the Australian Government to support NAIDOC celebrations  in July this year.NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to get together and celebrate the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and the national theme this year is Songlines - The living narrative of our nation.The theme highlights the importance of Dreamtime to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It commemorates the tracks they leave on the land as a record of ancestral spirits who ‘sung’ the land into life.I encourage local organisations to consider applying for funding to help cover the costs of staging events during NAIDOC Week.This can include anything from a community morning tea or barbecue to a flag-raising ceremony or art workshop.The Liberal National Government is supporting such activities through funding to come out of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.Details on 2016 NAIDOC grant funding are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. Applications close 4pm AEST on Friday 29 April 2016.