Apply for TAS ACCO VET Sector Strengthening Program 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 17-Jun-2026

The TAS ACCO VET Sector Strengthening Program 2026 is now accepting applications from Tasmanian Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) seeking to strengthen their capacity and role within the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The programme offers grants ranging from AUD 2,000 to AUD 200,000, with a total funding pool of AUD 500,000 available to support workforce development, training pathways, organisational capability, and partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Overview of the Programme

The TAS ACCO VET Sector Strengthening Program 2026 is a government-funded initiative designed to strengthen the participation and leadership of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations within Tasmania’s vocational education and training sector.

The programme supports projects that improve organisational readiness, build workforce capability, strengthen training delivery systems, and increase access to vocational education opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Strengthen the capacity of Tasmanian ACCOs in the VET sector
Improve organisational readiness to deliver training services
Enhance support services for Aboriginal learners
Expand access to vocational education pathways
Address workforce and capability gaps
Strengthen partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Support the development of culturally appropriate training services
Assist ACCOs working toward RTO status
Promote sustainable sector development

Priority Focus Areas

Projects may focus on:

Vocational education and training sector development
Workforce capability building
Organisational strengthening
Governance development
Succession planning
Professional development and training
Training resource development
Service improvement initiatives
Aboriginal learner support services
Partnership development with RTOs
Training pathway expansion
Organisational readiness for RTO registration
Evaluation and continuous improvement activities

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

Funding may support a range of organisational and sector-strengthening activities.

Eligible activities include:

Organisational planning
Strategic development initiatives
Governance strengthening
Succession planning activities
Workforce development programmes
Professional training and skills development
Development of training materials and tools
Evaluation of existing services
Partnership-building activities with RTOs
Projects addressing workforce shortages
Initiatives improving access to vocational training
Activities supporting progression toward becoming an RTO

Funding Details

Grant Amount

Minimum grant: AUD 2,000
Maximum grant: AUD 200,000

Total Funding Available

Total programme funding: AUD 500,000

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may support:

Staffing and workforce development
Organisational capability activities
Governance initiatives
Training resources and materials
Partnership development
Evaluation and planning activities

Overhead Costs

Eligible overhead expenses may account for up to 15% of total funding requested

Project Timeline

Project Completion Requirement

All funded projects must be completed by 30 September 2028

Expenditure Deadline

All project expenditure must be finalised by 30 September 2028

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be Tasmanian-based Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations that:

Are incorporated entities
Operate on a not-for-profit basis
Are community controlled
Have a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body

Organisational Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

Financial viability
Appropriate governance arrangements
Capacity to deliver the proposed project
Compliance with relevant regulatory requirements

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide:

Financial statements for the 2024–25 financial year
Evidence of organisational eligibility
Required governance documentation

Insurance Requirements

Applicants must hold:

Appropriate insurance coverage
Public liability insurance

Child Safety Requirements

Applicants must comply with:

Child and youth safety frameworks
Relevant safeguarding obligations

Partnership Eligibility

Partnership applications are permitted.

Partnership requirements include:

The lead applicant must be an eligible ACCO
Project responsibilities should be clearly defined
Partnerships should contribute to programme objectives

Potential partners may include:

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Community organisations
Education providers
Workforce development organisations

Geographic Eligibility

Projects must:

Be delivered within Tasmania
Directly benefit the Tasmanian Aboriginal community
Align with VET sector strengthening priorities in Tasmania

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed competitively by a judging panel.

Assessment considers:

Alignment With Programme Objectives

Contribution to VET sector strengthening
Support for Aboriginal training participation
Relevance to programme priorities

Organisational Capacity

Ability to manage and deliver the project
Financial and governance capability
Experience and expertise

Project Quality and Feasibility

Strength of project design
Realistic implementation planning
Clear outcomes and deliverables

Innovation and Sector Impact

Innovative approaches to workforce or training challenges
Long-term organisational benefits
Sustainable sector development outcomes

Partnership Strength

Quality of collaborative arrangements
Value of stakeholder engagement
Contribution of project partners

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

Increased Aboriginal participation in vocational education
Stronger ACCO capability and readiness
Improved training pathways
Enhanced workforce development outcomes
Stronger partnerships across the VET sector
Sustainable organisational growth
Improved access to culturally responsive training services

Why This Programme Matters

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations play an important role in delivering culturally appropriate services and supporting Aboriginal communities.

This programme helps ACCOs:

Build organisational capability
Strengthen workforce development systems
Improve access to vocational education
Develop long-term training pathways
Increase self-determination in education and training delivery
Strengthen community-led solutions

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify ACCO status
Review programme requirements
Ensure compliance with governance and insurance obligations

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Identify workforce or training needs
Define objectives and expected outcomes
Establish partnerships where appropriate

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Financial statements
Governance documentation
Insurance information
Project budget and implementation plan

Step 4: Submit an Application

Complete all application requirements
Provide clear evidence of project feasibility and impact

Step 5: Assessment and Funding Decision

Applications are reviewed by a judging panel
Successful projects are selected based on programme criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TAS ACCO VET Sector Strengthening Program?
- A grant programme supporting Tasmanian Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to strengthen their role within the vocational education and training sector.
How much funding can organisations receive?
- Grants range from:
  - AUD 2,000 to AUD 200,000
What is the total funding pool?
- The programme provides:
  - AUD 500,000 in total funding
Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include:
  - Tasmanian-based Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations that meet the ACCO definition
Are partnership applications allowed?
- Yes.
  - The lead applicant must be an eligible ACCO.
What activities can be funded?
- Examples include:
  - Workforce development
  - Governance strengthening
  - Training resource development
  - Service evaluation
  - Partnership development with RTOs
When must projects be completed?
- All funded activities and expenditure must be finalised by:
  - 30 September 2028

Conclusion

The TAS ACCO VET Sector Strengthening Program 2026 provides significant support for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations seeking to strengthen vocational education and training services across Tasmania. Through grants of up to AUD 200,000, the programme aims to build organisational capability, improve workforce development outcomes, expand training opportunities, and support long-term Aboriginal leadership within the VET sector.

For more information, visit Avant Group.