NAISDA Dance College will be able to significantly expand its presence on the Central Coast after the Albanese Labor Government allocated $5 million in the 2022 Federal Budget to the nationally recognised First Nations arts and dance college.

This funding fulfills an election commitment by the Albanese Labor Government and ensures the college can continue to provide quality education to First Nations people.

Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP announced the funding during a visit to NAISDA Dance College, alongside Kim Walker, Chief Executive Officer, and Mayrah Sonter, NAISDA Chair.

“NAISDA Dance College is a phenomenal First Nations arts and culture institute, based here on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast. It provides world class accredited training programs to young First Nations people”. Dr Reid said.

“The announcement of $5 million in funding in the 2022 Federal Budget will assist the college in expanding its presence and ensures it continues to meet the growing demand for its programs into the future”. Dr Reid said.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to amplifying the voices of our First Nations people, this funding helps to achieve that objective”. Said Dr Reid.

“I thank Kim Walker, Mayrah Sonter, and the whole team behind NAISDA Dance College, and I look forward to continuing to support this spectacular First Nations college on the Central Coast”. Dr Reid said.

NAISDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kim Walker, has reflected on what this funding will achieve for the college.

“Dance and Culture have always been at the core of how we support and equip our young people to build opportunity, forge new tracks and voice stories and truths of their own.

We are extremely grateful to the Federal Government for their investment in our infrastructure which supports NAISDA’s tertiary dance and arts training program, driving excellence and enterprise for our future knowledge holders and creative and cultural leaders”. Mr Walker said.

NAISDA Chair, Ms Mayrah Sonter, said that this funding recognises the impact the college’s work has achieved over many years.

“This announcement acknowledges NAISDA’s significant contribution to the national arts, education and cultural landscape for nearly half a century.

We would like to thank the Federal Government for this fantastic opportunity to further empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people with tertiary arts training, wellbeing, skills development and career pathways which create, celebrate and share First Nations culture and Knowings”. Ms Sonter said.

ENDS