WA has taken a major step toward all Western Australians walking together with a $5.7 million Lotterywest grant to support the Danjoo Koorliny Walking Together initiative over the next three years.
Hosted by the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Social Impact, the large-scale Aboriginal-led project focuses on all Western Australians walking together towards 2029 and beyond as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to co-create a better future for all.
Premier Mark McGowan, on behalf of Lotterywest, this week presented UWA Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma and the Co-Directors with the grant which will provide a platform to engage in truth-telling and shift mindsets to create a legacy of lasting positive social and systemic change.
With 2029 marking 200 years of colonisation, this project provides an opportunity for all Western Australians to reflect on how to build a shared future with a strong society that is equitable, sustainable and healthy as WA moves towards this significant date.
Lotterywest and Healthway CEO Ralph Addis said Lotterywest was proud to contribute to such a significant truth-telling project.
“Genuine reconciliation requires the WA community to recognise and respect Aboriginal people, acknowledge past injustices and ongoing inequalities,” he said.
“Lotterywest is honoured to be part of this journey that will help drive collaboration across government, industry and the WA community.”
Danjoo Koorliny Walking Together is led and designed by Aboriginal Co-Directors: Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM, and UWA’s Carol Innes AM, Dr Noel Nannup OAM and Dr Richard Walley OAM, with input and guidance from other Elders and leaders.
“Danjoo Koorliny instils a collective responsibility in people’s hearts and minds to care for everything,” the Danjoo Koorliny Co-Directors said.