History of the Fund

The Gulf Communities Agreement (GCA) negotiated between Century Mine, Queensland State Government and Gulf Native Title groups and was established to administer negotiated funds from the establishment and operation of the Century Mine in 1998.

As part of the GCA the State Government was a signatory.  Under Clause 51 of Schedule 1 to the GCA the State Government committed $250,000 towards a personal development program based on sport.  This funding was matched by the project proponent at the time creating a fund of $500,000.  These funds have since been applied by the GREAT towards targeted programs and projects with an objective of facilitating personal development based on participation in sport. This fund was launched in 1998 and concluded in 2003.

Since the original funds were expended the former ADBT was committed to continuing the program by dedicating its own funds for the purpose. The former ADBT also established 2 other smaller grants several years ago. Indigenous Sports Development Fund and the Indigenous Youth Leadership grants, both were a precursor to this fund will remain active.

Below are 2 items within the GCA the former ADBT has activated to establish this fund.

47. By doing the things outlined in the Schedule 6 (Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust), CZL will establish a trust with the principal purpose of promoting and benefiting the general welfare of the Native Title Groups and the Communities by:(a) developing a personal development program based on sport within the Communities; and
48. CZL will give to the ADBT:(b) for the purpose in clause 47(a), up to $500,000 on a dollar-for-dollar basis (for which purposes Queensland will contribute $250,000 over 3 years);

About the fund

The grant funding has been designed to be a fund central to all Indigenous community, sport, and youth activity. Having this fund could help individuals and small groups to leverage further grant funding for larger activities.  Unlikely the original fund from 1998 this fund will be perpetual and the interest generated each year on the $750,000 invested will be the limit on funds available, likely around $50,000pa.

The Sport Development Fund (SDF) is an application-based grant program only available to Lower Gulf sporting organisations or individuals as further described under “Who is eligible to apply?”

Funding available:

• Grants from $5,000 – $50,000
• Applicants may apply for multiple projects, however the maximum available to any one organisation or individual is $50,000. The amount organisations request should reflect the scale or potential of the project.

* consider that the entire funding available each year is around $50,000

Organisations or individuals must contribute to the project. Projects that evidence a high contribution are more likely to be given favourable consideration. Organisational contributions that would be favourably considered would be:

• Financial
• Voluntary labour
• Donated/sponsored materials and/or equipment
• Other resources directly related to the project.

The type of projects that may be funded under this program are:

Increase regular and on-going participation in sport. Projects that attract new participants to the sport and/or assist existing participants to increase their participation frequency.

Improve pathways for athlete, coach and official development. Projects will lead to improved athlete achievement and/or the development of coaches and officials, including gaining accreditation.

Improve sport governance. Projects that increase the effectiveness of boards including improvements to board processes, performance reporting, stakeholder relationships, strategic planning and whole of sport communication.

International and national sporting events projects. The event must provide opportunities for talented athletes, officials and coaches to develop their skills through exposure to and participation in the event.  The event must be part of the competition pathway for the sport (for example State or Nationals, World Championships, Olympic qualifier). Events must be sanctioned or endorsed by a recognised international, national or state body (or equivalent).

Research initiatives. Research projects that contribute to the information/evidence base and will assist sport organisations to make evidence-based decisions about the operations, planning and future delivery options.

Definition – Sport organisations or participants are defined as those administering or participating in a sport that meets the definition of sport or takes responsibility for the development of their sport in the Lower Gulf region.

Who is Eligible to apply?

Participants and/or applicants must meet the criteria set out in the Gulf Communities Agreement (GCA) which is detailed below:

Eligible individuals will be either:

(a) A member of one of the Native Title Groups (Waanyi People, Mingginda People, and Gkuthaarn and Kukatj People respectively, and

(b) A person residing in the local government areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

Funding criteria

• Eligible applicants may apply once every twelve months.
• Eligible applicant must be 8-25 years old
• Applicant must demonstrate that they have made an effort to contribute to or fund raise.
• Each person seeking sponsorship must complete an application form.
• Application forms are accepted throughout the year and processed as they are received.
• Each application must be accompanied by a typed signed letter/document from the body organising the event, competition or educational activity that clearly states the name of the applicant seeking ADBTs grant and that verifies their participation and exact cost including all quotes.
• Funding will not be provided for activities that have already been completed or costs that have already been incurred.

Applications

Applications can be downloaded from our website www.greatrust.com.au or phone 0428 737 645 and request one to be emailed or mailed.

Click here to download the ADBT Perpetual Sports Development Fund Application Form
- 1.0 MB PDF

Completed applications can be submitted by emailing them to gm@greatrust.com.au or post it to:

ADBT
PO Box 7786
Cairns City, Queensland 4870