Illawarra Southern Region

The Illawarra Southern Region (ISR) comprises coastal and inland areas from below Sydney, to the north and south of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), down to the border of Victoria.

A sunset image of the Clifton Sea Bridge
A map of the Aboriginal Affairs' 'Illawarra Southern' region
About

The Illawarra Southern regional office is located in Batemans Bay on the Traditional lands of the Walbunja People. We Acknowledge and pay respects to the Traditional Custodians of all the lands and waterways that we work across.

We first began operating from this office in 2011.

The Illawarra Southern Regional (ISR) team supports a diverse range of Aboriginal communities across 11 LGA’s which includes 15 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) and three Discrete Aboriginal Communities (DACs). 

We also engage with and support numerous Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and non-incorporated Aboriginal groups.

According to the 2021 census, 28,438 Aboriginal people live in ISR, with the largest population in Shoalhaven (7,067) and the smallest population in Kiama (534). The region is also home to the highest populations of Aboriginal peoples in the 5-14 years age bracket across all ISR LGA's. 

Grants

Aboriginal Affairs NSW offers regular grants to support Aboriginal people and communities to thrive.

Our grants recognise that Aboriginal organisations are best placed to deliver programs that support culture, community, economic development, and healing.

If you live in the Illawarra Southern region and would like information or support in applying for a grant opportunity, please contact us.

To learn more about relevant opportunities, please visit the Grants and funding for Aboriginal people and communities in NSW page. 

Cultural Grants
A group of Aboriginal people walking alongside Tanja lake with fishing equipment during a culture camp

 

The Cultural Grants Program supports Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW to celebrate Aboriginal culture and hold cultural events and activities.

Learn more about our Cultural Grants Program.

NAIDOC Grants
A group of Aboriginal youth dance a corroboree at a NAIDOC family fun day.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW supports NAIDOC events and activities across NSW, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through an open and competitive grant funding opportunity.

Learn more about our NAIDOC Grants Program.

Minister's Discretionary Fund
A large group of Aboriginal men and boys gather on Yuin Country for the Birriga Bunaan, dressed in cultural attire on a sunny day, with mountains in the background.

The Minister’s Discretionary Fund (MDF) supports Aboriginal Community Organisations and individuals in NSW to deliver services/projects which are identified by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty.

Learn more about the Minister's Discretionary Fund.

Latest News

Ministerial media release
6 July 2025

Culture, community, connection: NAIDOC grants support statewide celebrations

Today is the start of NAIDOC Week and the Minns Labor Government is helping communities all over NSW celebrate their Aboriginal histories and cultures with $548,000 in grant funding.
News
29 November 2024

New children’s learning space inspired by culture

A Children’s Centre in the south coast community of Berkeley has used a $250,000 grant to build a gathering place for children, their families, educators, and the community.  Aboriginal Affairs NSW provided the ‘Community and Place Grant’ to Noogaleek Children’s Centre to build the space, which features culturally appropriate play spaces and gathering areas.     
News
23 October 2024

Blak Cede café continues to grow and blossom with Aboriginal Women at the forefront

An Aboriginal run café located in Nowra is helping First Nations Women through employment opportunities and on the job learning. 
News
10 September 2024

Grant for Aboriginal cafe brews employment opportunities in Tathra

An Aboriginal run mobile café in the Tathra area (Yuin Country) is providing new hospitality training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal young people with the support of Aboriginal Affairs NSW. 
News
14 June 2024

New grant to support better transport access for Aboriginal young people in the Bega Valley

Young Aboriginal people living in the Bega Valley will be supported to get their driver licence and be safer drivers through a new grant funded by Aboriginal Affairs NSW.

Contact Us

Call: 02 9228 55758:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday

Email: enquiries@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Address: Level 1, BAYLINK 3 Flora Crescent, Batemans Bay NSW 2536 (entry via Centrelink)

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