EMBEDDING Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into accredited agriculture TAFE training is expected to benefit future agricultural workers, according to the Victorian Government.

The Allan Labor Government’s $2 million garinga djimbayang Grant Program aims to increase cultural knowledge among agriculture students and encourage more First Nations people to consider a career in the agriculture sector.

As the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of aboriginal cultural heritage, through this grant program, Victoria’s registered Aboriginal parties will partner with TAFEs to upskill agriculture students enrolled in accredited training with Traditional Owner knowledge and practices.

Grants valued between $300,000 and $1,000,000 are now available.

The program has been designed under the principles of self-determination with input from First Nations people with subject matter expertise through a sub-committee working group of the Yuma Yirramboi Council.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said the government recognises the value of Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices in agriculture.

“Our hope is that the garinga djimbayang program will encourage more First Nations people to pursue a career in the sector.”

To learn more about the garinga djimbayang Grant Program visit the agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Skills and Tafe Gayle Tierney said the program integrates First Peoples’ traditional knowledge and practices into our agricultural training and TAFE courses, fostering a rich cultural exchange that equips students with invaluable traditional knowledge for a sustainable future.”

Chair of the Yuma Yirramboi Council subcommittee working group Karen Milward said the group’s ambition for the garinga djimbayang Grant Program is to see a First Nations approach applied to conventional agriculture training, where students are understanding how to be more attuned to the land through Traditional Owner knowledge and practices.

The name of the program was provided by the Dja Dja Wurrung People and directly translates as “to grow and learn” in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

The garinga djimbayang Grant Program is funded through the $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program which has been delivering the agriculture skills of the future and helping more Victorians pursue an exciting career in this diverse industry.