INDIGENOUS HERITAGE PROGRAMME
GUIDELINES
2013-14 STRATEGIC PROJECTS
Supporting the identification, conservation and promotion of Indigenous heritage.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Overview ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Objectives and outcomes ................................................................................................................................3
Governance arrangements ............................................................................................................................4
How much can you apply for? .......................................................................................................................4
When can you commence your project and how long do you have to complete it? ..................4
Eligibility ..............................................................................................................................................................4
What activities are NOT eligible for Indigenous Heritage Programme funding? ......................7
What activities have funding limitations?................................................................................................8
Conflict of interest.............................................................................................................................................9
Proposals ..............................................................................................................................................................9
Submitting your Advice...................................................................................................................................9
Late Applications ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Assessing Proposals ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Assessment process....................................................................................................................................... 10
Merit assessment criteria: .......................................................................................................................... 10
Notification of Assessment Outcomes..................................................................................................... 12
Conflict of Interest ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Confidentiality and Privacy ........................................................................................................................ 12
Complaints and Disputes ............................................................................................................................. 13
Grant Proposal Process Flowchart ............................................................................................... 14
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INTRODUCTION
Overview
On 18 September 2013, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (the Department)
became the responsible agency for the majority of Indigenous policies and programmes, including
the Indigenous Heritage Programme (IHP).
In 2013-14, the Australian Government will invite proposals from Indigenous organisations;
natural and cultural heritage management organisations and educational institutions working in
partnership with Indigenous communities to fund strategic projects. This will be a restricted –
direct approach to at least 15 high performing pre-existing grantees and organisations with
potential to extend on their heritage planning.
The IHP will provide strategic funding support in 2013-14 for projects which support the
identification, conservation, and promotion of heritage places important to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people and which foster Indigenous people’s aspirations to care for and reconnect
with country, and maintain their cultural traditions.
This is consistent with the Australian Government’s Indigenous policy objective and the Council of
Australian Governments’ (COAG) commitment to Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage
through providing heritage and cultural education, improved management and governance of
heritage sites, greater economic and social participation, and safer and healthier communities.
Objectives and outcomes
The objective of the Indigenous Heritage Strategic project funding is to extend Indigenous heritage
initiatives already undertaken in consultation with Traditional Owners with regard to:
 conservation of Indigenous heritage places;
 identification of Indigenous heritage places;
 undertaking planning for Indigenous heritage places;
 interpreting or explaining Indigenous heritage places; and/or
 constructing small scale keeping places to house ancestral remains and/or secret sacred objects
that require restricted access.
Projects which have strong potential to deliver extension activities linked to the Indigenous Heritage
strategic projects’ objectives and outcomes will be identified and host organisations will be invited to
submit a proposal.
The expected outcomes of the Indigenous Heritage Strategic projects are:
 Improved protection, awareness and appreciation of Australia’s Indigenous heritage;
 Improved management of Indigenous places and values;
 Indigenous heritage places and their stories are valued in the wider community;
 Indigenous Closing The Gap Initiative progressed through:
o engagement and partnership with Indigenous people;
o connection to heritage and culture;
o economic participation; and
o safer communities.
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Governance arrangements
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is responsible for the implementation and ongoing
management of this programme. Proposals for funding will be assessed by relevant programme
officers and an external assessor with expertise in Indigenous heritage.
The assessment process will determine whether the proposal represents an efficient, effective,
economical and ethical use of Commonwealth resources, as required by Commonwealth legislation,
and whether any specific requirements will need to be imposed as a condition of funding.
Following the assessment process, advice will be provided to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on
the merits of each proposal for final approval of funding. The Minister’s decision on the selection of
successful applicants is not open to appeal.
How much can you apply for?
Organisations can apply for up to $70 000 (GST exclusive) for a project. If funding availability allows,
the funding threshold may be increased for projects that demonstrate potential enhancements to
project activities.
When can you commence your project and how long do you have to complete it?
The commencement date for projects is the date the Australian Government delegate countersigns
the funding agreement already signed by the proponent. Projects must be completed by 30 June
2014.
Eligibility
This is a targeted funding round and organisations identified as having potential to extend and build
on existing Indigenous heritage initiatives will be considered for funding.
To be eligible for funding your proposal must address the following:
1. At least one of four categories in relation to a place/s of Indigenous heritage significance:
a) Conservation;
b) Identification;
c) Sharing Australia’s Indigenous heritage; and
d) Keeping places.
a. Conservation
Conserve a place/s of Indigenous heritage significance to a community. This may include, but is not
limited to, one or more of the following Conservation processes:

Maintenance: undertake protective care of a place through routine actions and/or activities so
that the Indigenous heritage values of a place are not degraded beyond that of the present
situation;

Preservation: maintain the Indigenous heritage values of a place in its existing state by
slowing any processes which could contribute to deterioration;

Restoration: improve the Indigenous heritage values of a place by undertaking specific actions
or activities to return them to a known past or original state. This process may include
repairing damage or removing threatening processes and generally involves the introduction
of material (old or new);

Renewal: any action which renews or revitalises the cultural significance of a place. This can
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include both physical changes to a place and non-physical activities which revitalise the
significance of a place; and/or

Adaptation: retain the heritage values of a place, whilst modifying the fabric of a place to suit a
different, but compatible, future use.
Conservation projects must follow an accepted conservation philosophy and/or practice.
Examples of Conservation projects:
 install fencing or other protective barriers to prevent disturbance to sites;
 stabilise sites affected by erosion;
 assist Indigenous people to access places in order to carry out ceremonies or management
practices at that place; maintain or repair structures related to events in Indigenous peoples’
history (e.g. : mission buildings, Indigenous settlements and sites of protest);
 monitor earth disturbance to burials or campsites, and undertake remedial action if such
processes are leading to site deterioration; and/or
 conservation work at traditional art sites, in accordance with approved management plans.
b. Identification
Identify and record Indigenous places and/or the Indigenous heritage values of places, for protection
through state government or Australian Government listing (such as the National Heritage List).
This information should be recorded primarily for community use to assist in maintaining the
Indigenous heritage values of a place.
Examples of Identification projects include:


systematic surveys for heritage places; and/or
detailed documentation of an individual site or sites and assessment of significance.
c. Sharing Australia’s Indigenous heritage
Interpret or explain significant Indigenous heritage places or stories to promote the knowledge and
understanding of Indigenous heritage (which may be made available via a website). This may include
the active teaching of traditional knowledge and understanding of customary responsibilities in
relation to land and waters, including heritage places, to future generations. This may also include
documenting and sharing traditional oral history through stories, or the preparation of previously
gathered stories for presentation on a website. Applications should demonstrate how the project will
result in measurable educational and awareness outcomes.
Examples of Sharing Australia’s Indigenous heritage projects include:
 record important stories and/or prepare important stories for presentation via a website;
public performance; or other media.
 interpret the significance of an Indigenous place through mechanisms such as interpretative
signage, to ensure culturally appropriate behaviour of visitors and stakeholders, etc.;
 develop a sustainable heritage tourism strategy for an Indigenous heritage place;
 hold story telling/oral history sessions or presenting research on a place;
 undertake research activities that will improve community understanding of a site; and/or
 produce publications such as books and/or brochures.
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d. Keeping places
Provide a small-scale keeping place to house ancestral remains and secret and sacred objects that
require restricted access. Where significant cultural items or remains are held by the applicant, or are
intended to be released by a museum to another institution within a short timeframe, funds of up to
$30 000 (GST Exclusive) may be available to construct or install a small keeping place.
Proposals for funding for the construction of keeping places will only be considered where an urgent
need is demonstrated. Applicants must provide details of the number and type of restricted items
intended to be held by the keeping place. Restricted items may include items such as ancestral
remains, men’s ceremonial objects, and sacred boards.
Minor works related to the conservation, interpretation and promotion of places such as
Conservation works, signage and trails or in relation to small-scale keeping places may be considered
for funding. Where such works form part of an application, applicants must provide proof that the
owner or manager of the relevant place agrees, and that the works are consistent with the
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Burra Charter.
All proposals under this category must include a letter from a releasing organisation for the restricted
items (addressed to the Department) which states:
 the general category of material being released (ceremonial items, remains);
 the reason why the release of cultural material is necessary;
 the timeframe within which the material is/has been released; and
 a statement from the body proposing to release the items or remains that they have undertaken
all due care to ensure that the materials are being released to the appropriate
community/individuals.
Funds applied for under this category must generally be of a stand-alone nature and proposals for
feasibility studies and construction plans will not be considered.
Examples of keeping places projects include:
 purchase of a shipping container; and
 construction of a small secure/lockable shed.
2. Management plan
There is a current heritage management plan specific to the place where project activities are
occurring to guide the delivery of on-ground tasks, or there is willingness to update the current plan
or develop a new one.
3. Indigenous employment and participation
Indigenous people are employed and Indigenous people participate in project activities.
4. Value for money
The project demonstrates value for money for the Australian Government. Projects that represent the
greatest potential benefit for funds invested will be considered of greater merit. This will include
consideration of whether the method and approach being undertaken in the project provides the
most cost effective option and is the best solution to the issue being addressed.
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What activities are NOT eligible for Indigenous Heritage Strategic projects funding?
The following projects will not be funded:
 Projects that do not meet any IHP category
IHP funding will not be given to a project that does not meet at least one of the four IHP categories
outlined above.
 Projects that have not obtained necessary approvals
IHP funding will not be given to a project that requires Commonwealth, state or territory approval
which is yet to be obtained.
 Asset purchases
IHP will not fund the purchase of assets over $5 000.
 Bush Tucker Gardens
Except where the plants are directly linked to the heritage values of a place, the construction of bush
tucker gardens.
 Commercial benefits
Projects which may contribute to any existing, or anticipated, direct commercial benefit to a state or
territory government or to the Australian Government will not be considered.
 Cultural Centres and Public Displays
Applications for funding to support the public display of objects (such as museum facilities or displays
within cultural centres) will not be funded. The construction of cultural centres involving major
capital works also will not be funded.
 Devolved grants
Applications which apply for funds to distribute or pay for activities done by unidentified or broadly
identified stakeholders according to the applicant’s own criteria.
 Documentary collections
Projects to preserve and/or digitise or provide access to documentary heritage collections or archival
materials held by community groups.
 Funding duplication
Applications where the particular heritage outcomes involved are already supported through another
Australian Government funding programme.
 Indigenous culture and languages and visual arts
Projects that support the maintenance of Indigenous culture and languages.
 Major construction work
The IHP will not fund major construction works such as new keeping places valued at over $30 000
and cultural centres or galleries.
 Movable objects
Projects involving movable objects or museum items, for example: historical artefacts, sacred or
ceremonial objects, and /or ancestral skeletal remains will not be funded, except in relation to the
construction of small scale keeping places.
 Native Title
Heritage surveys and connection reports conducted in support of current native title claims will not
be funded.
 Natural resource management
Natural resource management projects.
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 Ordinary business
Activities that form part of applicants’ business as usual (including duty of care) practices.
Property acquisition or transfer
Applications for the purchase, lease or transfer of a property.

 Repatriation
The repatriation of human remains and significant objects from international and Australian
museums and institutions.
 Retrospective funding
Activities that are completed or have commenced (extension activities linked to projects underway
are, however, eligible).
 Site clearance works
Heritage surveys or site clearance in relation to development proposals.

State and Local Government responsibilities
Activities that would be considered part of a local, territory or state government’s normal
responsibilities, such as town planning, maintenance of Council buildings, public cemetery works,
access roads.
 Vehicle purchase
The purchase of vehicles will not be funded. Vehicle hire or leasing will be permitted where it can be
demonstrated that this is essential to completing specific project outcomes.
 Work required by law
Activities that are required under Commonwealth, state or territory law.
What activities have funding limitations?
Funding is limited for:
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Administrative support and operational expenses including:
 project coordination
 office accommodation
 office equipment hire
 phone/internet costs
 electricity costs
 printing/photocopying,
 insurance costs
 costs associated with legally required documents such as site searches, permits.
The IHP will only provide up to 10% (or 15% for organisations in remote locations) of the total
requested project funding for expenditure on these activities.
?
Archaeological Field Schools
Field schools associated with projects must demonstrate that they are self supporting or contribute to
the overall project costs. IHP funds will not be provided to support a field school which involves fee
paying students.
?
Audit/acquittal costs
Final certification and audit costs will not be funded in excess of $2 000.
?
Hire of vehicles
Vehicle hire or leasing will be permitted only where it can be demonstrated that this is essential to
completing specific project phases or outputs detailed in the project plan.
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?
Purchasing equipment
?
Purchase of plant and equipment up to the value of $5 000 may be funded under the IHP only
where essential to the achievement of project outcomes. Funding to lease such equipment valued at
over $5 000 may be considered where it is essential to the completion of on-ground works or to
achieve specific project activities.
?
Salaries and labour expenses
The IHP will only fund salary expenses where these expenses are attributable to a discrete project
with measurable outputs detailed in a project plan. Funding for salaried positions related to the
normal ongoing operations of an organisation will not be funded under the IHP. Applications may
include requests for funding to engage consultants or contractors with relevant knowledge and/or
specialist expertise needed to complete the project. Where an application is made for funding of
salaries and labour expenses exceeding $10 000, the application must demonstrate value for money
and include a description of the activities to be undertaken by the consultants or contractors.
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Travel
Reasonable travel costs are available to support travel where this is complementary to the
outcomes of the project. The level of funding will be subject to negotiation. Costs associated with
overseas travel will not be funded.
Conflict of interest
Applicants are required to declare as part of their application, existing or perceived conflicts of
interest that would, or may impact on, or prevent the applicant proceeding with the project or any
funding agreement it may enter into with the Commonwealth Government.
Where an applicant subsequently identifies that an actual, apparent, or potential conflict of interest
exists or might arise in relation to their application for funding, the applicant must inform the
department in writing immediately.
A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the applicant or any of its personnel:
 has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is able to
influence the application assessment process, such as a departmental staff member;
 has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal
gain as a result of the granting of funding under the programme.
Proposals
Submitting your Advice
All requests for funding must be received on the IH Strategic Projects Advice Form.
Completed forms can be submitted as a PDF by emailing to: IHPgrants @network.pmc.gov.au or by
posting the completed hard copy to:
Indigenous Heritage Programme 2013-14
PO Box 6500
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Completed Advice forms must be submitted by midnight AEST on Thursday 6 March 2014.
Late applications may be considered ineligible.
You should keep a copy of the proposal.
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All proposals submitted should:
 be complete;
 be submitted on the Advice Form supplied by the department;
 contain all necessary signatures;
 contain all essential supporting documentation and attachments.
All proposals will be assessed and ranked on the basis of information provided in the Advice Form.
Supporting documentation may be included.
Late Applications
The Department will advise you of receipt of your proposal. Confirmation of receipt of the completed
Advice form will be forwarded within 48 hours. If you do not receive this advice, please contact the
Department.
The Department may consider late proposals under extenuating circumstances provided an
alternative timeframe has been agreed to prior to the Closing Date. The Department may, at its sole
discretion, extend the application period. The Department may contact applicants during the
assessment process to seek clarification about their proposal.
Assessing Proposals
Assessment process
Proposals will be assessed by the Department against eligibility criteria. Each eligible proposal will
then be assessed on its merits and suitability for the programme.
Proposals will be subject to assessment by a panel of assessors. Projects will be assessed by an
Assessment Panel of up to three members drawn from the following:


External assessor: An Indigenous panel member.
Departmental assessors: Two senior members of staff including two Senior Advisors or
one Senior Advisor and Assistant Secretary of the Environment Programmes Branch.
All assessors are required to identify and disclose any current or prospective personal interest which
may create a conflict of interest. Departmental assessors must also comply with the Australian Public
Service Code of Conduct.
Proposals will be assessed on how well they address each of the assessment criteria.
If funding availability allows, the panel may recommend increasing the funding threshold for projects
that demonstrate potential enhancements to project activities.
Funding recommendations that result from the assessment process will be provided to the Minister
for approval. The Minister’s decisions on the selection of successful applicants will be final.
Merit assessment criteria:
All eligible proposals will be assessed against the following criteria. Proposals must meet all
assessment criteria. Eligible applications that best address the assessment criteria detailed below will
receive a higher score than those that do not. Minimum requirements will be set by the assessment
panel prior to the assessment of proposals.
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Criterion 1 – Project summary
A. Provide a brief summary of your project outlining what you want to do and how you will do it.
The project summary should cover the aim and outcome of the project and the actual activities
proposed. You should explain how the project will build on earlier project/s.
B. Clearly identify the activities for which funding is sought.
The project summary should include components of your project that IHP funding will contribute to.
If you also have funding from other sources, which specific project activities will require IHP funding?
C. Identify which Indigenous Heritage strategic projects category your project meets.
Your proposal will be assessed on its ability to demonstrate how your project meets one or more of
the four IHP project categories as outlined at item 1. of these Guidelines.
Note: Any activities which do not meet one or more of the IHP Project will not be funded under the
IHP strategic projects guidelines.
Criterion 2 – Project Plan and budget (value for money)
Your proposal will be assessed on how well you have planned the project and whether it represents
good value for money. The Project Plan should outline the stages, activities, resources and funds
required to complete your project. The detail provided should match the cost and complexity of your
project.
Proposals should also identify the following:
 the relevant approvals required to undertake each project (such as local government permits,
state heritage authority approvals) and documentary evidence that all such approvals have
been obtained;
 each approval that is yet to be obtained and the timeframe within which the applicant will
obtain each approval;
 whether access permits are required to undertake activities at any Indigenous heritage place/s,
if relevant.
The project budget should be in line with the size and nature of your project. All amounts should be
GST Exclusive and rounded up to nearest $10.
For assets over $5 000 and expenses relating to services and/or consultants over $10 000 you may be
required to provide 3 quotes.
Assessment of proposals will also take other factors into consideration that may potentially affect or
risk the viability of the project.
Criterion 3 – Expertise of key project personnel
List the qualifications, skills and experience of the people directly involved in this project. If you will be
working with a consultant, describe how they will be selected and what skills and experience they will
require.
In assessing your application we will consider whether the skills, experience and qualifications of key
project personnel are suitable and are sufficient for the successful delivery of the project. Provide
details on what tasks key project personnel will undertake, what deliverables they will produce and
what process will be used to appoint personnel or purchase their services.
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Criterion 4 – Traditional Owner support and involvement, and stakeholder consultation
Your proposal should demonstrate that the recognised Traditional Owners or custodians support the
project. You must attach letters of written support from the Traditional Owner group. Copies of
support letters for the original project, which your proposal seeks to extend, will be accepted.
Criterion 5 – Benefits to Indigenous Communities and Closing the Gap
In addition to the proposed heritage outcomes, please provide information on the broader positive
social, cultural, environmental, economic, or other outcomes you expect your project to deliver to the
Indigenous community.
COAG has committed to work together with Indigenous Australians to Close the Gap in Indigenous
Disadvantage. COAG has identified seven strategic areas for action: Early Childhood; Schooling;
Health; Economic Participation; Healthy Homes; Safe Communities; and Governance and Leadership.
Detail how your project will contribute to Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage outcomes.
These outcomes for Indigenous communities might include improvements in:
jobs
education/school
attendance; and
community safety.
Notification of Assessment Outcomes
After the Minister for Indigenous Affairs has approved proposals for funding, you will be informed
in writing (via email or mail) whether or not your project has been successful. The Department will
offer and provide feedback on any proposals that are assessed as unsuccessful.
Conflict of Interest
Applicants are required to declare in writing to the Australian Government where any actual,
apparent, or potential conflict of interest exists or might arise in relation to your application that may
impact on the application, the proposed project or any funding agreement the applicant may enter
into with the Australian Government.
Examples of conflict of interest may include situations where the applicant or any of its personnel:
 has or has had a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who
is able to influence the application assessment process, such as a departmental staff member;
 has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation, which is likely to interfere with or
restrict the applicant in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently; or
 has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal
gain as a result of the granting of funding under Australian Government initiatives.
Confidentiality and Privacy
You must identify any information contained within your proposal you consider should be
treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request. The Department will only
consider a request for confidentiality where the information to be protected is identified in:
 specific rather than global terms;
 the information is by its nature confidential; or
 disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned.
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The Department is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and transparency
requirements of the Australian Government, including disclosures to the Australian Parliament and
its Committees. Notwithstanding any obligations of confidentiality, the Department may disclose, or
allow at any time the disclosure of, any information contained in or relating to any application:
 to its advisers, employees or internal management for purposes related to the application and
assessment processes, including to evaluate or otherwise assess applications and manage any
resultant funding agreement;
 to the responsible Ministers;
 in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of
Australia;
 within the Department or with another agency, where this serves the Australian Government’s
legitimate interests;
 where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that information
submitted to the Department is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cwlth); or
 where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of any
relevant confidentiality obligation by the Australian Government.
In submitting a proposal, you consent to the Australian Government using the information contained
in their application for the above mentioned purposes, for administering the initiative and any other
incidental or related purpose. The Australian Government will store and use any personal
information collected by it in compliance with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cwlth).
Australian Government policy requires the Department to publish information on its website about
successful applicants, including but not limited to:
 the name of the legal entity receiving funding;
 the title and purpose of the project;
 the amount of funding received;
 terms of the funding; and
 funding location.
By submitting an Advice Form for funding under the Indigenous Heritage Strategic projects, you
consent to publication of the above information by the Department if it is awarded funding.
You are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted. If you discover any
material discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or errors in their application, you must immediately
bring it to the attention of the department by emailing IHPgrants@network.pmc.gov.au.
Proposals that knowingly provide inadequate, false or misleading information may be excluded from
the assessment process. Applicants should be aware that the giving of false or misleading information
is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cwlth). For further information, please refer to
the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines available at:
www.ag.gov.au/CrimeAndCorruption/FraudControl/Pages/CommonwealthFraudControlGuidelines.aspx.
Complaints and Disputes
The Department is committed to best practice in relation to resolving disputes and/or complaints.
Should a problem or complaint be identified, please email IHPgrants@network.pmc.gov.au. All
unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback on their proposal.
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Grant Proposal Process Flowchart
PROPOSAL
Applicant submits a proposal. Department acknowledges receipt.
ASSESSMENT
Application is assessed against eligibility and merit criteria.
ADVICE TO MINISTER
Advice is provided to the Minister on the merits of each application against the programme guidelines.
APPROVAL
The Minister makes a decision on proposal and the applicant is advised of the outcome. Successful
proposals are published on the Department website and/or announced in the media.
FUNDING AGREEMENT
An agreement is negotiated and signed by the successful applicant. The Departmental delegate executes
the agreement.
IMPLEMENT PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND MEET MILESTONES
Applicant undertakes funding activity and completes milestones including providing reports. Department
makes payments and monitors progress. Variations to the funding agreement may be made as necessary.
COMPLETION AND ACQUITTAL
Applicant completes funding activity and provides final report and financial acquittal. Department accepts
final report and financial acquittal.
EVALUATION
Department evaluates the outcomes of the programme.
Applicant may be asked to provide information to assist this evaluation.
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