Funding Community Led Change
Creating local impact through the Stronger Communities for Children program.
About the SCfC program
Nja-marléya is the facilitating partner for the Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) program in Maningrida, funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. Our role, as the Local Community Board (LCB), is to coordinate services and activities under SCfC, including subcontracting to local service providers to address community needs.
The goals of this program are to improve family and community safety, increase support for nurturing young children, improve school readiness, increase school attendance and increase opportunities for children, young people and families to participate in cultural events.
SCfC targets and outcomes
Under SCfC, the program aims to align with the targets and outcome of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, in particular:
Improve family and community safety
Increase support for the nurturing of young children
Improve school readiness
Increase support for children and young people to attend school and gain an education
Increase opportunities for children, young people and families to participate in cultural events
Build community capacity to lead, plan and prioritise services that children, youth and families need
Build capacity of Aboriginal organisations to deliver these services and increase local employment opportunities.
Our community priorities
The LCB is interested in funding projects or activities that align with our priorities, including:
Education and two-way learning
Connection to Culture
Pathways to jobs
Caring for our Country
Lore and Justice
Health and Wellbeing
Celebrating Community
How to apply
If you have a great idea for a project or activity in Maningrida or surrounding homelands, we want to hear from you!
Funding is available for impactful community projects or activities. Applications are assessed by our LCB, comprising of Nja-marléya’s board of Directors.
More information about the SCfC program in Maningrida, including frequently asked questions, can be found below and in our Information Pack.
We strongly encourage you to read our SCfC Information Pack to determine if your project aligns with the SCfC outcomes and community priorities.
Our FY2024/25 grant round is now fully allocated, and we’re excited to announce a fantastic range of community led projects and activities on the way!
We’re proud to support local ideas that build stronger, more connected Maningrida. While funding applications are now closed for this round, you can check out the inspiring list of funded projects at the link below — and stay tuned for the great work that’s coming to life across our community!
$616k
allocated in funding in FY2024/25
Some of our SCfC success stories
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![Nja-marléya - SCfC - AFL NT youth program]()
AFL NT
Through SCfC funding support, AFL NT was able to strengthen its presence in Maningrida by running regular skills clinics and local competitions that engaged young people through sport. Central to the program’s success was the employment of a local Bininj team member, who brought local leadership, and strong community connections to the role.
This partnership highlights the importance of supporting programs that are not only engaging and healthy for young people, but also provide real pathways for local employment and development. By backing community-led initiatives like this, we help create stronger, more sustainable outcomes for our people.
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![Nja-marléya - SCfC funding - Maningrida Dance performing at Lúrra Festival 2024]()
Maningrida Dance
For over two years, the Maningrida Dance program has been bringing energy, creativity and connection youth in Maningrida. Led by talented young Bininj dancers at the Youth centre, the program blends hip hop and freestyle routines tailored to the vibe and interests of each group. More than just a dance class, it’s a positive and social space where young people can express themselves, stay active and support one another in a fun and culturally grounded environment.
A key strength of Maningrida Dance is its commitment to local employment. By training and employing Bininj young people as dance teachers, the program builds skills, confidence, and leadership - while also creating meaningful jobs in the community. These young role models are not only sharing their talents but also inspiring the next generation.
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![Nja-marléya - Maningrida - community members enjoying the live music at Lúrra Festival 2024]()
Lúrra Festival 2024
In 2024, Lúrra Festival lit up Maningrida with three unforgettable days of celebration, bringing the whole community together as one. This vibrant cultural and community festival showcased the strength and spirit of our people through a powerful mix of culture, sport, music and connection.
More than just an event, Lúrra Festival created a space where community pride was on full display — where old and new came together. The 2024 festival was a true reflection of Maningrida’s heart: strong, united and full of life.
Lúrra Festival is a truly collaborative event, made possible through the support and contributions of many local organisations. With funding and in-kind support from across the community, the festival is a reflection of what can be achieved when we work together to create something special for everyone.
