Making a difference to First Nations children and families

• Goodman commits to a circa $10 million partnership over five years with Children’s Ground

• Funding will help with First Nations education, health, economy, culture and community wellbeing in Alice Springs.

With an ambition of making a sustained and tangible difference to First Nations communities, Goodman Foundation has partnered with Children’s Ground to help facilitate long term positive change in Alice Springs (Mparntwe).

The partnership will focus on:

1. Education for 0-11 year old children
2. An after-hours community development program for children and young people at risk
3. Engaging men in employment and support as role models and leaders
4. Support Elders, and protect First Nations culture and languages
5. Leadership, evidence and research opportunities.

Children’s Ground Chair, William Tilmouth, said:

"Goodman’s long-term and significant funding will enable us to continue facilitating generational change for children and families across five communities in Mparntwe.

It will pave the way for communities to plan, establish, operate and govern developments from inception through to realisation. This is critical in giving First Nations people control in their lives and allow them to decide the steps they want their community to take towards the future.

Crucially, it demonstrates strong regard and recognition of community leadership."

Through partnerships with First Nations led organisations like Children’s Ground, we aim to accelerate tangible solutions that strengthen communities and enable long term positive change.

We hope that our financial commitment and philanthropic support will provide practical support and enable Children’s Ground to achieve change in their communities.

The five-year partnership commences with:

• Expanding delivery of learning wellbeing programs for children and families 
• Establishing an after-hours program supporting children and young people with after school and holiday programs, cultural and family events, and safe spaces 
• Building a local First Nations workforce through community-based employment 
• Implementing male-focused activities including male cultural camps.