Western Sydney First Nations Program FAQs

The assessment focuses on cultural integrity, community benefit, delivery approach and value for money. Artistic outcomes can be part of your case, but there is no separate ‘artistic quality’ score.

Both are welcome within the grant limits. What matters is cultural integrity, clear community benefit and a realistic plan to deliver within the budget and timeline.

It funds First Nations-led projects in Western Sydney that support cultural expression, skills and leadership, protect ICIP, and strengthen community connection and wellbeing.

Funding is confirmed for the 2026 round only. Future rounds depend on government priorities and available budgets.

The program follows NSW Creative Communities policy and supports Closing the Gap outcomes. It was not designed specifically to implement the Parliamentary Inquiry into Music recommendations.

Cultural expression; skills and leadership; organisational strengthening; audience and community connection; partnerships and networks; activating places and spaces; and ICIP protection.

Cultural expression; skills and leadership; organisational strengthening; audience and community connection; partnerships and networks; activating places and spaces; and ICIP protection.

A competitive grant program that supports First Nations artists, creatives, organisations and collectives in Western Sydney with grants up to $50,000 (individuals) and $100,000 (organisations/collectives).

First Nations artists and arts workers, First Nations-led organisations and collectives, and Western Sydney First Nations communities who participate in and benefit from funded activity.

Define your participants based on your project (e.g., artists, Elders, knowledge holders, arts workers, community members or audiences). Explain how each group benefits.

To address historic underinvestment and to strengthen First Nations arts and culture in Western Sydney in line with NSW Creative Communities and Closing the Gap outcomes.

No. There are no per‑LGA quotas. Funding is awarded competitively against the criteria to projects that primarily take place in Western Sydney and deliver strong outcomes.

Before closing, you can edit your application. After funding is approved, any change requires a written variation and approval.

Late submissions are only considered for verified technical issues reported to firstnations@create.nsw.gov.au within one hour of the closing time, with evidence.

No. Only one application per applicant will be assessed in this single‑stage process.

You may submit more than one, but only one application per applicant will be assessed. If multiple are submitted, you will be asked which one proceeds.

Provide a clear, realistic budget that reflects market rates and includes cultural governance and ICIP costs where relevant.

Submit your application through the SmartyGrants portal by 2:00 pm Tuesday 31 March 2026 and complete all mandatory sections, including the Creative Nations Ethical Section.

No. The Western Sydney First Nations Program uses a single‑stage application.

Upload the supporting documents requested in the form. Follow the portal prompts for file types and size limits; PDF is preferred for documents.

Eligibility and due‑diligence checks are completed, then a panel assesses your application. Recommendations go to the decision‑maker. Indicative notification is May 2026.

Contact Create NSW as soon as possible. After the closing time, changes are not allowed unless we request clarification that does not alter your proposal.

Project outline, cultural integrity and ICIP approach, delivery plan, budget (including cultural costs), and outcomes. Evidence requirements at application are light‑touch.

Create NSW staff can explain the guidelines and portal, but cannot write, edit or proof your application.

No. The four assessment criteria are equally important.

Yes. You can request a feedback session to support future applications.

No. Outline your intended partners and roles. Formal confirmations may be requested later if successful.

Against four equally important criteria: Cultural Integrity and Alignment; Partnerships and Delivery Method; Participation and Outcomes; Value for Money and Sustainability.

There are no LGA targets. The number of grants depends on application quality, demand and available budget.

There are no set quotas. Projects should embed accessibility and inclusion; participation by people with disability is encouraged.

Yes. Use the published Guidelines—the criteria and evidence requirements are set out there.

Partnerships are encouraged and considered under the criteria, but they are not mandatory.

Use relevant qualitative and quantitative evidence such as community feedback, research, data, or prior evaluations.

Applications are compared on merit against the published criteria to ensure fairness, transparency and value for money.

Checks that may include financial viability, criminal history, conflict‑of‑interest and other verifications as needed.

A panel including Create NSW staff and external First Nations assessors with relevant Western Sydney expertise.

The Secretary of DCITHS or their financial delegate makes final decisions based on panel recommendations.

Not necessarily. A strong, well‑focused project with clear impact is as competitive as one addressing multiple areas.

Create NSW can explain how the budget section works, but cannot write your budget, check your budget, or provide specific payment rates.

Yes. If funded, you can request a variation for changes to your budget. Variations must be approved by the Department before spending differently.

No. Quotes are not required at the application stage. Provide reasonable cost estimates based on typical prices.

No. You are not required to contribute any of your own funds. The WSFNP does not require co‑contributions or matched funding. In‑kind support is optional.

Keep it simple but clear. List each item (e.g., artist fees, venue hire), explain the cost briefly, and use realistic market rates. You do not need complex financial modelling or historical financial statements.

Apply for an amount you can deliver well: individuals up to $50,000; organisations or collectives up to $100,000. A smaller, well-planned project can be stronger than a large, risky one.

Include them as separate line items, such as ICIP agreements, cultural governance support, and payments to knowledge holders. These costs are eligible and expected.

Use reasonable rates based on awards (if applicable), industry standards, and what is fair for the cultural knowledge being shared. You may seek general guidance from Create NSW, but they cannot provide specific rates.

Start with: (1) Listing each activity; (2) listing what you need to deliver it; and (3) estimating the cost of each item (e.g., $300 for materials). This becomes your project budget.

Eligible costs are directly related to delivering your project. Examples include payments to artists and cultural workers, ICIP permissions, venue hire, materials, transport, insurance, marketing, and community engagement.

In‑kind contributions are things given to your project at no cost, such as free venue use, volunteer time, or borrowed equipment. Include them only if they genuinely support your project—they are optional.

You cannot include: activities outside Western Sydney, costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed, ongoing organisational bills, land or building purchases, or full‑time salaries unrelated to the funded project.

That’s okay. Assessors look for a reasonable and realistic budget—not perfect calculations. Small adjustments can be made later if your project is funded.

A project budget is a simple list showing how much money you need and what you will spend it on. It should match your project plan, be realistic, and easy to understand. You don’t need advanced financial skills—just clear and honest information.

Include all costs needed to deliver your project between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. This may include artist fees, Elders’ payments, cultural governance and ICIP work, community workshops, venue hire, materials, equipment, transport, insurance, and marketing.

Yes. Individual First Nations applicants can pay themselves for time, labour, cultural knowledge and artistic work. Artist fees must be reasonable and reflect market rates for your role. The WSFNP Guidelines allow artist fees, cultural worker fees, and ICIP‑related activity costs as eligible expenditure.

List ICIP processes as separate budget lines (e.g., FPIC consultations, permissions, ICIP agreement development). 

Creative Australia ICIP Protocols: https://www.creative.gov.au/first-nations-arts/protocols-for-using-first-nations-cultural-and-intellectual-property-in-the-arts

Elders must be paid fairly for their time, cultural authority and knowledge. Ethical payments follow the principles of cultural authority, ICIP, FPIC and fair remuneration. Applicants can refer to: 

• NAVA Community Liaison & Cultural Advisor Rates (recommended baseline for Elders & cultural knowledge roles)
• NSW Aboriginal Arts & Culture Protocols (guidance on cultural authority, consultation, consent and benefit sharing). Elders’ fees are eligible costs under WSFNP.

Cultural governance costs are expenses that ensure First Nations leadership, authority and cultural safety. These may include paying cultural advisors, Elder consultations, ICIP agreement development, FPIC processes, cultural protocol meetings, and cultural advisory panel work. 

These are eligible and expected costs under the program. WSFNP Guidelines explicitly allow ICIP and cultural governance expenses.  Cultural governance costs include payments for cultural advisors, Elders, ICIP permissions, FPIC consultations, cultural protocol meetings and other cultural authority processes. Guidance: Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge Standards: 

Yes, if your activity is First Nations‑led, primarily delivered in Western Sydney, and aligns with program objectives.

You can seek interpreter or translation support. For assistance, contact firstnations@create.nsw.gov.au.

Yes. Staff can explain what types of confirmation are acceptable but cannot draft or collect documents for you or speak to Elders on your behalf.

If requested, you may need to provide evidence that 80–100% of activities occur in Western Sydney (e.g., venue bookings, letters from partners or councils).

No. Partnerships do not need to be final at application. If successful, the Department may request written confirmation (e.g., letters of support or partnership agreements).

No. You do not need to upload any identity documents at the application stage. If your application is successful, you may be asked to provide confirmation before the funding agreement is signed.

Non‑First Nations‑led organisations cannot apply as lead applicants, but if partnering, they must confirm that First Nations people hold cultural authority and decision‑making roles for all cultural content. They may also be asked to provide documentation showing this governance structure.

If requested, the Department may ask for confirmation from members with decision‑making roles or cultural authority relevant to the project. Not every member will be required unless the activity depends on their cultural authority.

The Department may request evidence showing that the majority of your governing body, board, or leadership structure is First Nations, and that First Nations people hold cultural decision‑making authority.

If successful, you may be asked to provide signed ICIP agreements, letters of consent from Elders or knowledge holders, FPIC confirmations, or cultural governance documents. These are only required after assessment, not at application.

You may be asked to confirm cultural governance structures, advisory roles, or decision‑making processes to show First Nations control over cultural content.

Confirmation must meet the three‑part criteria (descent, self‑identification, and community recognition). This may be a letter from an Aboriginal organisation, a statutory declaration, or documentation recognised by your community.

“Confirmation” refers to evidence the Department may request to verify your eligibility, First Nations identity, First Nations leadership, cultural authority, ICIP permissions, FPIC, or governance arrangements before a funding agreement is finalised.

You must tell the Department as soon as possible. Delays in providing confirmation may delay your agreement or affect your eligibility to proceed.

FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) means that cultural authority holders agree to your project before it begins. You may be asked to provide signed confirmation from relevant Elders, knowledge holders, or communities before the funding agreement is finalised.

Only after assessment, if your application is recommended for funding. Evidence is “light‑touch” at application and more formal only when required before the agreement.

To remove barriers for First Nations applicants and ensure the process is culturally safe, flexible, and fair. Heavy documentation is not required until funding is confirmed.

Yes. If you are applying as an organisation, you must have a real physical presence in one of the 13 eligible Western Sydney LGAs. A postal address alone is not enough. Example: A First Nations organisation based in Parramatta with an office and staff is eligible. An organisation that uses a PO Box in Blacktown but operates from Newcastle is not eligible.

Yes, but only in special cases. Organisations or collectives not located in Western Sydney can apply only if: 

1. 80–100% of the project is delivered in Western Sydney, and
2. The project clearly benefits Western Sydney First Nations communities. Example: A First Nations collective based in Wollongong can apply if they deliver all workshops in Campbelltown and Penrith, working with Western Sydney Elders and communities. Example: A First Nations arts organisation based in Darwin cannot apply if the project mostly takes place in the NT — even if they include one Western Sydney activity.

Partnerships usually refer to organisations (including collectives). Individuals can be applicants or collaborators paid through the project.

Yes. Partnerships are encouraged. The lead applicant must meet eligibility requirements and ensure activity is primarily in Western Sydney.

Yes. Joint applications (consortia) are allowed, but the lead applicant must be an eligible First Nations entity with cultural authority.

Yes. Auspicing is allowed for First Nations individuals or collectives without a legal structure. The auspice must be an eligible entity located in NSW.

Organisations may submit multiple applications, but only one application per applicant will be assessed. Applicants must choose which one proceeds if more than one is submitted.

Yes. First Nations collectives that are not incorporated can apply if they are auspiced by an eligible organisation or nominate a lead applicant with an ABN. The collective must demonstrate First Nations leadership and cultural authority.

Yes. First Nations individuals (18+) who live in NSW and deliver 80–100% of activity in Western Sydney can apply.

Yes, when the activity is First Nations‑led with clear cultural authority and decision‑making by First Nations people.

No. Only First Nations‑led organisations, First Nations individuals, and First Nations collectives can apply as lead applicants. Non‑FN organisations may only participate as partners.

Yes. Partner organisations do not need to be FN‑led or located in Western Sydney, but they cannot lead cultural content and the project must be First Nations‑led. Activities must occur 80–100% in Western Sydney.

Yes, but only if they deliver First Nations‑led creative programs where First Nations people hold cultural authority.

You may submit multiple applications, but only one per applicant will be assessed.  You will be contacted by Create NSW to choose which one you want to progress, and which one/s you want to cancel.

No. State cultural institutions cannot apply as lead applicants, but they may participate as partners if the project is First Nations‑led.

Yes. They can partner but cannot be the lead applicant for this program.

Yes. All applicants must have an ABN, or be auspiced by an organisation with an ABN. If the entity is required to be GST‑registered, they must demonstrate GST registration.

Yes. Applicants must have an ABN (or be auspiced); GST registration is required only if applicable to your entity.

No. Partners may be based outside the LGAs if activities and benefits are delivered in Western Sydney.

No. Partners can be based outside the 13 LGAs as long as the activity and benefits occur in Western Sydney and the lead applicant is based in the region.

Yes. The lead must be eligible (First Nations individual, First Nations‑led organisation/collective, or eligible council) and meet ABN and location requirements.

Yes, provided the lead is eligible (First Nations‑led) and the support directly relates to the funded activity and outcomes.

No. Only the lead applicant must meet ABN and (if applicable) GST requirements.

An organisation is considered First Nations‑led when First Nations people hold the majority of governance roles and have authority over decision‑making, cultural content, and program delivery.

The lead applicant must be located in at least one of the 13 Western Sydney LGAs (e.g., office, operations base, or regular activity site). A postal address alone does not meet this requirement.

Ineligible entities include non–First Nations individuals, non–FN‑led organisations, unincorporated associations without auspicing, legally constituted partnerships, state or federal departments, screen production companies, and film festivals.

Micro, small, and medium First Nations‑led organisations can apply. Micro: volunteer‑run, turnover under $250k. Small: 1–5 staff, turnover $250k–$1m. Medium: 5–20 staff, turnover $1–$5m.

Organisations outside the 13 Western Sydney LGAs cannot apply as lead applicants, but may partner. Lead applicants must be located in one of the eligible LGAs.

Eligible legal structures include: Incorporated Associations, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporations (ORIC‑registered), registered charities or not‑for‑profit organisations, incorporated trustees for trusts, publicly funded research organisations, tertiary institutions delivering First Nations‑led activity, and local government bodies.

First Nations individuals, First Nations‑led organisations and collectives, and eligible local government bodies delivering First Nations‑led activity.

Eligible applicants include First Nations individuals (18+), First Nations groups or collectives, and First Nations‑led organisations operating in NSW. Local councils may apply only when the activity is First Nations‑led and culturally governed by First Nations people.

Non‑First Nations individuals, non‑First Nations‑led organisations, state or federal departments, screen production companies and film festivals, and applicants not primarily delivering in Western Sydney.

No. Co‑contributions are not required, but you may include partner support if relevant.

Yes. In‑kind support (e.g., venue, equipment, volunteer time) may be included but is optional.

Yes. You may leverage relevant existing investment if it directly supports the funded activity and outcomes (no matching required).

Yes. Your project may combine this grant with other confirmed or pending sources. There is no matched‑funding requirement.

Yes, if it does not duplicate funding for the same costs and complies with any other funding agreements.

No. Costs must be incurred within the approved project dates (1 July 2026–30 June 2027).

Yes, they can be included as additional support if they directly relate to the project (not required for eligibility).

No. Co‑contributions or matched funding are not required.

Both can be supported if they directly relate to the project. Only the portion of time spent on the project is eligible.

$500,000 is available in total for this round.

There is no preference. Both cash and in‑kind support are acceptable when they directly support delivery.

Yes. Up to $50,000 for individuals and up to $100,000 for organisations and collectives.

Apply for the amount you can deliver well within the caps. The case for cultural integrity, community benefit and feasibility is more important than size.

Direct project costs such as artist/arts worker fees, cultural governance and ICIP compliance, capacity building, venue hire, materials, transport, insurance, and marketing.

Buying property, costs incurred before the agreement is signed, activity outside Western Sydney, general overheads unrelated to the project, application preparation costs, and full‑time salaries not directly related to the project.

Information is treated as commercial‑in‑confidence and only disclosed as permitted or required by law.

Your information is handled under the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Department’s privacy policy.

Any personal, professional or cultural relationship that could influence the process. Applicants must disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts.

Fairness, transparency and integrity in the grants process, consistent with the NSW Grants Administration Guide.

Identifying and managing project risks (e.g., cultural, financial, delivery, safety) throughout planning and delivery.

Yes. ICIP costs such as permissions, cultural advisors and ICIP governance meetings are eligible and expected.

Yes. Projects using cultural knowledge require Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the appropriate cultural authority, Elders or knowledge holders.

No. Only your plan is required at application. Evidence may be requested if your project is successful.

Yes. Projects involving First Nations culture must show how ICIP will be respected and protected, including permissions and agreements where required.

Engage First Nations cultural advisors early, follow protocols, obtain FPIC and ensure decision‑making rests with cultural authority holders.

ICIP is central to Cultural Integrity, Partnerships and Delivery, and Participation and Outcomes, and is essential for a competitive application.

Only if First Nations people lead all cultural decisions, hold cultural authority and you provide evidence of FPIC and ICIP protection. Non–First Nations applicants cannot lead cultural content.

Ensure correct permissions, cultural authority, fair payment, cultural safety and adequate time for community‑led decision‑making.

First Nations people must hold decision‑making power, cultural authority and leadership over all cultural content including planning, approvals and delivery.

The application may be deemed ineligible or, if funded, the agreement may not proceed. ICIP protection is mandatory.

You may be asked for ICIP agreements, FPIC confirmations, cultural governance documents or permissions from Elders before the funding agreement is finalised.

If your project uses cultural knowledge, language, stories or practices, it involves ICIP. Seek guidance from cultural advisors or Create NSW.

You must obtain FPIC from that community. Living in Western Sydney does not grant automatic permission to use cultural knowledge from another Nation.

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property refers to First Nations peoples’ rights in their cultural heritage, including stories, language, knowledge and artworks.

ICIP refers to First Nations peoples’ rights to their cultural knowledge, language, stories, art, practices and cultural expressions. Applicants must protect ICIP and ensure cultural authority sits with community.

Protocols are determined by the relevant First Nations community, Elders and cultural authority—not by Create NSW or applicants.

All WSFNP-funded activity must centre cultural sovereignty, respect cultural protocols and protect ICIP. It is a mandatory requirement of the program.

It ensures cultural authority, FPIC and respectful use of cultural knowledge, protecting communities and culture.

Use the NSW Government logo and follow the NSW funding acknowledgement guidelines.

Unspent funds must be returned unless a variation is approved by the Department.

A legal agreement that sets out terms, milestones, reporting and payment conditions.

Reports on progress, outcomes and expenditure as set out in your grant agreement.

After the grant agreement is executed and any initial conditions are met; payments follow agreed milestones.