Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program

Status:: Closed
Who can apply:: Not-for-profit groups
Funding:: $50,000 - $1,600,000

The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program is a grants program which enables community-controlled First Nations organisations to improve functionality, repair, refurbish or expand infrastructure, or plan future infrastructure to support Victorian First Peoples to thrive, and live self-determined and culturally rich lives.

The program aims to:

improve the safety, responsiveness and delivery of services and support to communities
strengthen connectedness to culture and Country
improve the physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing of communities
increase functionality, sustainability and accessibility of buildings; and
expand education and economic participation opportunities for communities.

Program administration

The Department of Government Services administers the program on behalf of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. A project control group consisting of representatives from both Departments oversees the Program.

Before you apply, please contact ACIP@ecodev.vic.gov.au to discuss your project proposal.

Guidelines

Category 1: Repairs and minor works (up to $300,000 plus GST)
Funding for maintenance and minor building works that will support First Nations organisations.
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- repair or replace permanent fixtures and fittings
- undertake cosmetic works, including repairs, painting, replacement of carpets/flooring
- improve functionality of communal spaces such as kitchens, general amenities, meeting rooms, outdoor spaces
- establish climate change safeguards and improve the environmental performance of the building through, for example, the installation of solar panels, insulation, double glazing or rainwater harvesting infrastructure
- improve the safety of the building, including enhancements to lighting or security measures
- make inclusive design alterations to meet building accessibility standards including installing ambulant toilets, handrails, ramps or widening passageways and doorways; and
- undertake a substantial repair and associated maintenance activities (for example, restumping, roofing and ceiling repairs, the replacement or restoration of old/damaged assets such as a heating and cooling system).
Successful projects in Category 1 must begin within 6 months of funding agreements. They must be completed within 18 months.
Apply now
Category 2: Capital works and upgrades ($300,000–$1.6 million plus GST)
Funding to support First Nations organisations to build, redevelop, refurbish or expand infrastructure that responds to the needs of First Peoples communities in Victoria.
Grant funding under this category might be used to:
- expand the footprint of existing community facilities;
- undertake structural works to improve a facility’s use, layout or accessibility;
- renovate and/or remodel a facility to enhance community use and functionality;
- create culturally appropriate and safe spaces for communities to gather;
- improve existing facilities to support service delivery and programming needs;
- construct new, purpose-built and sustainable facilities that respond to the needs of First Nations communities.
Successful projects under Category 2 must begin within 18 months of funding agreements. They must be completed within 3 years.
Apply now
Category 3: Project planning (up to $200,000 plus GST)
Funding to develop one of two infrastructure planning phases.
- Option 1 - To prepare a feasibility study to ensure an infrastructure proposal is viable, meets the needs of the organisation and the communities it serves. This study should assess and develop costs for the proposal. It may also include the development of concept designs.
- Option 2 - To complete design activities to refine the concept designs and/or progress the design of the proposal until the tender stage.
Grant funding might be used to:
- hire a new staff member – or supplement the salary of an existing staff member – to coordinate specific components of the project in collaboration with the lead consultant, noting that this person should have construction and contract management experience;
- engage experts to progress the designs and/or a quantity surveyor to develop ideas and solutions to progress the organisation’s infrastructure proposal. Experts can include (but are not limited to):
  - architectural, building, Building Code Australia (including Disability Discrimination Act), town planning advice, geotechnical and soil testing, landscaping, wayfinding, audiovisual, façade engineering, traffic engineering, waste, specialist lighting, acoustic engineer, civil and structural engineering.
- employ a suitably qualified project manager or suitably qualified lead consultant to establish and drive the planning activities.
Apply now
Please note:
- Organisations may only submit 1 application per funding round.
- Organisations may only apply under 1 category per funding round.
- Organisations may only apply for 1 Project Planning option per funding round.
- An application should relate to 1 project site only, unless a strong rationale, such as a financial savings or building efficiency can be demonstrated.
Repairs and minor works
Capital works and upgrades
Project planning
Please read the guidelines for further details on the application process, including eligibility, assessment criteria, and essential supporting documents.
Government investment in community infrastructure is essential to strengthening First Nations organisations, to ensure the sector operates effectively and sustainably from quality, fit-for-purpose and accessible assets, and continues to deliver tailored, responsive, holistic and culturally safe services for local communities.
Fostering partnerships with First Nations organisations to maintain and develop viable infrastructure projects, without first mortgage encumbrances, complements vital Government priorities including but not limited to truth-telling and treaty, and is key to accelerating the actions articulated in the:
Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan such as Priority Reform 2
Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2023
30-year Victorian Infrastructure Strategy 2021-2051.
Investment in infrastructure also acknowledges that Victorian First Nations hold the knowledge and expertise to advance self-determination in their local communities to achieve better social outcomes and live culturally rich lives, by:
empowering organisations to develop and sustain a strong economic base from which to advance socio-economic development
capitalising on the abundant knowledge and expertise of First Nations organisations to deliver innovative and best practice programs and services for First Peoples
providing an economic and physical platform through which communities can maintain, develop and celebrate connection to culture and Country, pride and belonging
promoting place-based strategic planning and decision making for the future; and
building on the sector’s abundant achievements for and with their communities to date.
Information provided to DGS and DPC in Program applications will be used to assist DGS and DPC to assess eligibility and suitability for the Program and to prepare funding agreements. Any personal information that is provided will be handled in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and other applicable laws.
DGS or DPC, its officers, employees, agents and sub-contractors may use and disclose any of the information provided with the application to Victorian Government departments or agencies, Victorian Government bodies, non-government organisations and/or the Commonwealth, states or territories for any purpose in connection with the administration of the Program.
Successful applications may also be the subject of media releases and disclosure as otherwise provided in the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the Funding Agreement.
You may access a copy of DPC’s Privacy Policy in relation to the management of personal information collected by contacting 1300 366 356.
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

Updated 5 November 2025