Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) is celebrating the announcement that the Australian Government will provide funding of $5M in 2022-23 to NAISDA Dance College to upgrade training facilities at its campus in Kariong.

As long-time supporters of the NAISDA Dance College, RDACC Chair Lawrie McKinna, says this funding will help to promote creative career pathways for talented young people on the Central Coast.

“NAISDA Dance College provides specialist, accredited training in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance as a platform to careers in the creative and entertainment industries,” says Mr McKinna.

“An outstanding organisation, some of their facilities are not currently fit-for-purpose and their  heritage buildings require maintenance, due to their reliance on grant and community funding.

“Upgrading these facilities will ensure that all NAISDA students, including those from regional and remote Indigenous communities, will be catered for in a way that best meets their needs.”

RDACC CEO and Director Regional Development, John Mouland, says there is a continuing culture of respect and collaboration between the two organisations.

“RDACC has worked with NAISDA on a number of initiatives to increase training and development opportunities for young people here on the Central Coast,” says Mr Mouland.

“Currently we are supporting and advocating for Naya Wa Yugali – a major cultural learning centre to be built adjacent to the current NAISDA campus that would drive higher levels of national tertiary arts training and education for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people every year.

“The $5M funding from the Australian Government to upgrade NAISDA’s current facilities recognises the importance of this institution, not only at a local level but across our nation, and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship to help NAISDA build on its many successes.”

Find out more about how you can support NAISDA and Naya Wa Yugali at naisda.com.au

Image: NAISDA dance performance, 2022.