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
- Grants range from:
- What is the total funding pool?
- The programme provides:
- AUD 500,000 in total funding
- The programme provides:
- Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include:
- Tasmanian-based Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations that meet the ACCO definition
- Eligible applicants include:
- Are partnership applications allowed?
- Yes.
- The lead applicant must be an eligible ACCO.
- Yes.
- What activities can be funded?
- Examples include:
- Workforce development
- Governance strengthening
- Training resource development
- Service evaluation
- Partnership development with RTOs
- Examples include:
- When must projects be completed?
- All funded activities and expenditure must be finalised by:
- 30 September 2028
- All funded activities and expenditure must be finalised by:
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.