ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

1. About the Ninganah No More (NNM) program

The Ninganah No More (NNM) program aims to increase the number of early childhood services across NSW providing access to Aboriginal languages and to support culturally safe and responsive early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW. It provides an opportunity for Aboriginal culture and identity to be nurtured in the earliest stage of formal education across NSW. This recognises the importance of cultural identity and the role it plays in children's development and learning outcomes.

The 2026–29 program builds on the success of an initial NNM program. It also incorporates feedback from current providers, families and other stakeholders from a review of the program. The refreshed program aims to close participation gaps and ensure that early learning services are more responsive to the diverse needs of communities. It places a strong emphasis on cultural inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for Aboriginal children. There is a focus on supporting and measuring the delivery of Aboriginal language and culture within early learning environments.

DISCLAIMER As Aboriginal people are the Traditional Custodians of NSW, we refer to Aboriginal people. The department’s Aboriginal programs and services are available, without question, to Torres Strait Islander peoples.

1.1 Purpose and objectives

The NNM program aims to foster a culturally safe and responsive early childhood education experience for 0–5-year-old children, so that the attendance of Aboriginal children will increase, and so that children are supported to thrive socially, emotionally and academically. NNM celebrates local Aboriginal identities, languages and histories in the earliest years of education, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. This aligns with the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø (the department) Plan for Public ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, which emphasises equity, inclusion and high expectations for every learner.

Attendance in a formal preschool education setting has significant positive long-term outcomes for all children. NSW Government policy ensures that all children have access to 600 hours of formal preschool education in the year before entering primary school.

The provision of Aboriginal language instruction in ECEC settings is a specific objective of the First Steps Aboriginal Children’s Early Childhood ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Strategy 2026-29. The First Steps Strategy was co-designed with the Aboriginal Advisory Group for Early Childhood ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, now known as Gudjagang Gulgul and places a strong emphasis on Aboriginal family and community engagement, child-centred services and the promotion of Aboriginal culture and identity in early childhood settings.

A performance measure of that Strategy is increasing the number of ECEC services providing Aboriginal language and culture programs, with a goal to ensure that all children in ECE services have opportunity to learn local Aboriginal languages and culture. This aligns with targets for the Closing the Gap agreement endorsed by NSW, including that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are engaged in high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years (Closing the Gap Target 3), and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures and Languages are strong, supported and flourishing (Closing the Gap Target 16).

This program encourages the ECEC sector to strengthen and maintain community partnerships, and inclusive ECEC that contributes to narrowing the equity gap, supports transitions and that Aboriginal children feel a strong sense of belonging, pride and connection to culture throughout their early childhood educational journey.

1.2 Why teaching language is important

Evidence shows that Aboriginal children benefit significantly from learning local Aboriginal culture and language. This aligns with research demonstrating that culture, Country and language are central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s learning, identity and wellbeing (AHRC 2013; SNAICC 2019). Because cultural norms differ across nations, clans and regions, early childhood programs that teach local language and culture in partnership with community provide the most culturally safe and responsive education.

ECEC services that deliver local Aboriginal language and culture programs developed in collaboration with their local Aboriginal communities are generally seen as providing culturally safe and responsive education and care.

Supporting language teaching in early childhood also supports broader language revitalisation objectives. Language is essential for passing on culture because it’s how people learn about, understand, and share important cultural ideas with others and with future generations

1.3 Objectives

The Ninganah No More program has 6 core objectives.

1. Aboriginal language and culture are present in ECEC programs.
2. The number of Aboriginal children learning an Aboriginal language is increased.
3. Aboriginal children remain connected to culture and grow their cultural identity through language.
4. ECEC services establish and maintain connection with their local Aboriginal community.
5. Inclusive learning environments for Aboriginal children.
6. Children in the early years have the opportunity to learn Aboriginal languages.

1.4 Priority of access

Aboriginal children will have priority of access to the services funded by this program.

However, all children in a service should be provided with an opportunity to learn an Aboriginal language and to gain a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal culture in the area in which they live. While a key priority of the program is to support Aboriginal children to learn their language, the program also seeks to support Aboriginal language and culture more generally, and this includes providing an improved understanding of Aboriginal culture for non-Aboriginal children also. Providers of the program will be required to report on the numbers of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children who access the program.

1.5 Grant value

Grants of $30,000 are available per ECEC service, per calendar year from 2026–29 (that is, 4 years).

The program uses a per language teacher approach for funding services. Applicants will be required to report how they will deliver this within their funded services. Recipients will be required to report regularly on the success, or otherwise, of their program achieving results.

An organisation can apply for a grant to deliver the NNM language program at more than one service. The eligibility requirements for each participating service must be met. The details and participation of all nominated services will need to be provided and confirmed during the application process. The application form allows organisations to apply for grants to run a language program at more than one ECEC service.

1.6 Once-off transition payment for ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs

Funding recipients that were formerly known as ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs in the previous iteration of NNM, will be supported to transition to a localised grants model in 2026. The ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs consisted of an individual provider (either a single organisation or a consortium) who facilitated language teaching within an Aboriginal language region. The department will provide ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs with a once-off transition support payment valued at a minimum amount of $45,714.85 or up to $51,476.74 (equivalent to one-sixth of their annual grant funding).

This payment is to assist with, and must be used on, associated costs for ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs to:

• work with local stakeholders and ECEC services to ensure continuity of Aboriginal language programs in their language region
• discontinue or transfer to an ECEC service any online presence or applications developed under the previous iteration of the NNM program.

Further information and instructions on how to access this payment will be made available directly to ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs.

2. Selection criteria

2.1 Eligibility criteria

Applications for NNM must be from:

• Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) providing ECEC services or
• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation (for example, Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registration, documentation showing 51% Aboriginal ownership, or any other relevant documentation) providing ECEC services or
• an organisation that is a recognised ECEC service provider under the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (National Law) (for children aged 0–5 years).

Organisations must also meet the following eligibility criteria:

• be able and committed to deliver the NNM language program to one of the following services:
  • an Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
  • a Multifunctional Aboriginal Child Service
  • a mobile or centre-based community preschool
  • a not-for-profit long day care service.
• Not be funded to deliver Aboriginal language programs to the same ECEC services from other source.
• Be able and committed to ensure the language program is co-developed and delivered by a local language Aboriginal teacher* together with either a certificate III diploma qualified educator or an early childhood teacher.
  • If the applicant is not an ACCO and is a provider of language services, the applicant must have complied with their obligations under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 (NSW), including the requirement to notify the Aboriginal Languages Trust of the establishment and operation of their service.
  • *If an organisation is unable to access a language teacher, funding may be approved by the department’s Director, Aboriginal ECO to support teacher training and the development of appropriate learning resources to facilitate program delivery.
• Documented support from the community where the program will be delivered. This can be demonstrated by the following:
  • the department seeks letter(s) of community support that the applicant organisation is recognised as an ACCO, or as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation (for example, Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registration, documentation showing 51% Aboriginal ownership, or any other relevant documentation) or
  • if the applicant is not an ACCO, a letter of support for the individual language teacher from a recognised Aboriginal organisation (for example, NSW AECG or local AECG, NSW Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Regional Alliance, or another relevant local Aboriginal organisation).

2.2 Assessment criteria

The NNM program uses an open competitive grants process. Each application is assessed individually against the program’s eligibility criteria, not in comparison to other applicants.

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. The department will assess applications and determine funding based on service eligibility, spending rules, program priorities and available funding.

Applications must meet the eligibility criteria. They will also be considered against the following assessment criteria:

• previous experience working with Aboriginal families and communities
• previous experience working with families with children aged 0–5
• established links with ECEC providers in the proposed program community
• established links with Aboriginal organisations, support agencies, or community-led initiatives
• quality rating of ECEC services (Meeting the National Standard or above, unless otherwise approved)
• previous compliance and performance under NNM funding.

NNM prioritises applications from ACCOs.

This aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the First Steps Strategy 2026–30, which focuses on strengthening the community-controlled sector.

An ACCO is an organisation [1] that delivers services, including land and resource management that builds the strength and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people, that is also either:

• incorporated under relevant legislation and operates on a not-for-profit basis
• controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
• connected to the community or communities in which they deliver services
• governed by a board or management body where the majority are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

[1] This is definition of an ACCO set out in Clause 44 of the .

3. Application process

3.1 How to apply

Step 1: Read these guidelines before starting the application

This will help you understand the program’s objectives, eligibility requirements, and the types of projects that are eligible for funding.

Step 2: Check eligibility and prepare supporting documents

Ensure that your service meets all the eligibility criteria (outlined in ) and assess your organisation capacity to deliver the program.

Step 3: Confirm you are registered with SmartyGrants

Applications must be submitted online through the platform. If you have not already registered with SmartyGrants, you will need to create a free account. Please click for guidance on how to use the SmartyGrants platform.

Step 4: Complete the application form on SmartyGrants and attach any required documents

1. Complete the . Please click for guidance on how to use the SmartyGrants platform. If you require further support to complete your application, please email ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au.
2. Attach other documents as required to demonstrate eligibility, for example for non-ACCOs:

• proof that the organisation responsible for the language component of the program is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation (for example, ORIC registration, documentation showing 51% Aboriginal ownership, or any other relevant documentation) or
• a letter of support for the individual language teacher from a recognised Aboriginal organisation (for example, NSW AECG or local AECG, NSW Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Regional Alliance, or another relevant local Aboriginal organisation).

Step 5: Review and submit

Before submitting:

• double check that all required sections of the application are filled out; incomplete applications may not be considered for funding.
• review your documents for accuracy and completeness.

Changes can be made to your application at any time until it is submitted. Once your application has been submitted, no further changes can be made via SmartyGrants.

Ensure all information is correct before final submission. Applicants must not provide false or misleading information in their application. Any application containing false or misleading statements may be disqualified from consideration or subject to further review. Misrepresentation of information could lead to the withdrawal of funding or legal action.

What happens after submission?

You will receive a notification of receipt to confirm that the application has been successfully submitted. This confirmation will include details on the next steps.

The department will review each application to ensure it is complete and meets all eligibility criteria. The department may contact organisations:

• if additional verification or clarification of any part of your application is needed
• if further details are required to complete the assessment.

Once the submission deadline has passed, all submitted applications will be assessed, regardless of their completeness. Applications that are not complete will not progress.

Late applications will not usually be accepted.

The deadline for applications is final, and late applications will only be considered in exceptional cases where there are extenuating circumstances. This will be on a case-by-case basis and at the department’s discretion.

4. Assessment process

4.1 Assessment of grant applications

Stage 1: Eligibility and completeness check

This stage is undertaken by an assessment panel appointed by the Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø to review and assess the grant applications. It involves reviewing all applications to confirm the applicant meets the program’s eligibility criteria, and ensure all required information and documentation have been provided.

This is a preliminary screening step and does not assess the content of the application. It is designed to ensure applications are ready for formal assessment.

Where applications contain minor omissions or inaccuracies, the department may contact applicants to request clarifications or corrections. This will be managed on a case-by-case basis at the department’s discretion. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not proceed to Stage 2 unless the applicant is able to provide additional documentation that clearly satisfies the eligibility requirements.

Stage 2: Assessment against criteria

This stage is undertaken by the Assessment Panel and focuses on evaluating the applicant’s organisational capacity and proposed program delivery model against pre-established and notified assessment criteria. The panel uses a consistent scoring methodology to:

• identify alignment between applicant capability and NNM program objectives
• establish an initial ranking of applications based on merit
• ensure value for public funds is achieved through an impartial, consistent and transparent approach.

The quantitative assessment consists of 2 components:

1. Organisational assessment

The applicant’s organisational experience and capability will be scored against the assessment criteria. Applications that do not meet the minimum capability thresholds may not progress to the next stage. Assessment will consider:

• previous experience working with Aboriginal families and communities
• previous experience working with families with children aged 0–5
• established links with ECEC providers in the proposed program community
• established links with Aboriginal organisations, support agencies, or community-led initiatives
• quality rating of ECEC services (Meeting the National Standard or above, unless otherwise approved)
• previous compliance and performance under NNM funding.

2. Program assessment

Applications meeting the organisational requirements will then be assessed on the strength and quality of the proposed NNM program. This includes:

• alignment of the proposed program with NNM objectives and delivery expectations
• capacity of the proposed model to achieve improved outcomes for Aboriginal children and families
• demonstration of culturally responsive, place-based approaches to program delivery.

Stage 3: Due diligence checks

Following the assessment against criteria, the department will undertake due diligence checks on shortlisted applicants. This process supports transparent and equitable decision-making by identifying any risks not captured through the assessment criteria and ensuring that funding recommendations are appropriate, responsible, and aligned with the objectives of the Ninganah No More (NNM) program.

Due diligence checks are designed to:

• verify the accuracy and completeness of information provided in the application
• identify any financial, governance, compliance, or reputational risks associated with the applicant organisation
• assess the organisation’s capacity to deliver the program safely and effectively
• ensure public funds are awarded to suitable, capable, and low-risk organisations

Typical due diligence checks may include (but are not limited to):

• verification of legal status, registration, and governance structures
• review of financial viability, solvency, and financial management history
• examination of compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements, including any enforcement actions, sanctions, or conditions
• assessment of historical performance and delivery of previous department-funded projects, including NNM funding (if applicable), such as:
  • timely delivery of contracted projects and achievement of key milestones
  • submission of all required documentation, six monthly reporting, and acquittals within required timeframes
  • ongoing compliance with service approval requirements and regulatory standards
  • checks against relevant government registers or watchlists (for example, ASIC, ACNC.)
  • consideration of any known reputational risks, conflicts of interest or issues that may impact program delivery.

The outcomes of the due diligence process will inform the Assessment Panel’s final funding recommendations. Where risks are identified, additional conditions may be applied to funding agreements, or applications may not proceed. Poor performance or high-risk findings may also result in funding withdrawal during the program period.

Stage 4: Overall ranking and recommendations

Following the completion of eligibility checks, assessment against criteria, and due diligence processes, the Assessment Panel will undertake a final review of all shortlisted applications. This stage brings together the results of each previous assessment stage to determine an overall ranking and develop funding recommendations for consideration.

The purpose of this stage is to:

• consolidate the outcomes of the eligibility checks, assessment against criteria and due diligence checks
• establish a final merit-based ranking of applications, ensuring alignment with NNM program objectives and strategic priorities
• ensure equitable distribution of funding across communities, considering geographic, demographic, and service delivery needs
• provide evidence-based recommendations to support transparent and accountable decision-making.

In preparing final recommendations, the Assessment Panel will consider:

• overall assessment scores and the extent to which each application meets the program’s objectives
• the applicant’s demonstrated capacity, capability, and risk profile
• geographic spread and balance of services to maximise program reach and impact
• strategic priorities identified by the department, including alignment with broader early childhood and Aboriginal outcomes initiatives.

The final recommendations of the Assessment Panel will be submitted for approval. Funding decisions will be made in accordance with the department’s governance and financial delegation processes. All applicants will be notified of the outcome following the final decision, and feedback may be provided upon request.

4.2 About the Panel and principles for the assessment process

The Panel has:

• a Convenor who will be a staff member from the Aboriginal Early Childhood Outcomes Team
• a minimum of 2 department staff
• one member from an external NSW government agency
• a probity member.

The Panel convenor is responsible for ensuring that panel members:

• are trained in the assessment process and the program aims and objectives
• receive a probity briefing and understand their duties
• complete a Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration form.

The following principles guide the assessment process:

• Merit-based – all applications are evaluated against the same criteria using objective evidence.
• Fair and impartial – conflicts of interest are managed and mitigated.
• Transparent and auditable – decisions are documented with clear rationale.
• Risk-managed – delivery and financial risks are considered and addressed.
• Confidential – applicant information is handled in accordance with privacy and confidentiality obligations.

4.3 Notification of application outcome

All applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing via email. Notification will be provided in March 2026.

Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their grant, including details of the funding awarded and next steps, including the requirement to enter into a Funding Agreement with the department. Unsuccessful applicants will also be advised in writing, where practicable, of the reasons why their application was not successful.

Unsuccessful applicants are not restricted from applying for future rounds of this program.

4.3.1 Feedback on application and appeal process

Appeals process

If applicants want to appeal the outcome of the assessment process, a written request should be submitted to the department and include the reasons why an applicant considers an incorrect decision has been made.

The appeal decision will be made by the Executive Director, Quality, Participation and Connections.

Funding is subject to budget availability, and a ‘successful’ appeal does not automatically guarantee funding. Where possible, funding reallocations or prioritisation strategies may be considered; however, the department reserves the right to decline funding if the budget has been fully allocated.

Feedback and complaints

Applicants who have feedback, suggestions or complaints about the application and assessment process should contact the department at ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au Alternatively, applicants may:

• Complete the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø complaint, compliment or suggestion form.
• call 1800 619 113.

4.4 Publication of grants information

The department will publish grant funding information, including program details, provider information and funds awarded to the provider, on the NSW Government in line with the Grants Administration Guide.

As a NSW Government funded program, the grants may also be published in departmental reports on expenditure performance and publicised on the departmental website and in the media.

The following details of grant recipients may be shared within NSW Government upon selection:

• name of the successful applicants
• services involved in the program
• area in which the program will be delivered
• name of the language delivered in successful applications
• electorate.

5. Successful grant applications

5.1 Funding agreement

All successful applicants we will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the department. It will outline among other things:

• that these guidelines form part of the funding agreement
• funding amount
• terms and conditions of funding
• timings attached to funding
• detailed record keeping, reporting and acquittal requirements.

5.2 Grant payment

Grant recipients will receive a fixed funding amount of $30,000 per service, per year. Payments will be made in 2 instalments of $15,000 each. Payments will be paid in February and July of the calendar year.

Once-off transition payment for ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs will be paid in January 2026.

Grants payments will only be processed for applicants that are registered in the Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS), and that have entered into a funding agreement with the department.

5.3 Spending rules

The NNM program utilises a per language teacher approach for the funding of services.

Activities will primarily benefit children aged from birth to 5 years of age.

Successful applicants must only use funding for the development and delivery of the NNM program, as outlined in their approved application, in line with program guidelines and the Terms and Conditions.

• Funding cannot be used to replace any existing funding sources.
• NNM funding must only be used for activities that are directly attributable to the core delivery of the NNM program.
• Funded staff positions must have clearly defined NNM duties, with the proportion of time spent on NNM activities separately identified and documented.
• NNM funding cannot be combined with other grant or program funds to deliver the same activity. Each funded activity must be unique to NNM.
• Activities need to commence during the calendar year of the successful grant contract.
• The program must be named and identified as Ninganah No More.
• Funding can only be used for the development and delivery of an Aboriginal language program and must be delivered to an Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, a Multifunctional Aboriginal Child Service, a mobile or centre-based community preschool or a non-for-profit long day care service.
• ·Language classes can be in conjunction with other community language initiatives delivered by the NSW Government and/or other government agencies; however, this funding is not available for applicants who receive funding to deliver Aboriginal language programs to ECEC services.
• Funded activities are required to commence in 2026 and continue through to 2029.

ECEC Aboriginal Language Hubs must only use the funding for activities outlined in of these guidelines.

What NNM grants can be used for:

• Grants are primarily to cover the cost of one language teacher, providing up to 7 hours of language lessons per week per service.
• Grants can also be used to meet reasonable costs for administering and managing the program, including meeting reporting and record keeping requirements, and to participate in department development activities.

Grants cannot be used for the following:

• resources unrelated to Aboriginal language delivery
• general refurbishment
• landscape design or garden maintenance solely for aesthetic reasons
• resources already funded by the department through another ECEC program, such as Start Strong Capital Works or Minor Capital Works
• IT equipment such as digital cameras, electronic white boards, video cameras and computers
• office equipment such as photocopiers and fax machines
• staff resources such as kitchen appliances and parking spaces
• upgrades to mobile preschool venues.

5.4 Unspent funds

Funding must be spent by recipients by 31 December in the year in which it is provided by the department. Applicants may be asked to return any unspent funding after this date.

Accrued costs are not unspent funds. Funds can be retained for accrued costs each year. Costs may be accrued for services and activities delivered within the funding period but not scheduled to be paid until for a later date (for example, staff wages or invoices pending processing).

A full financial acquittal process will be required within three months of the expiry of the 2026–29 funding agreement. Any funds that are unspent may be required to be returned to the department.

Decisions regarding unspent funds will be made by the department and confirmed in writing.

The department must be notified of exceptional circumstances whereby approved funding cannot be expended by 31 December.

Notification should include an explanation for why funding has not been expended and a timeline for spending the outstanding funds.

5.5 Reporting, record keeping and other requirements

5.5.1 Indictive reporting requirements

Overview

Funded organisations must provide the following:

• financial accountability is to be completed 6 months after the initial payment.
• financial accountability is to be completed every calendar year after the initial payment.
• performance accountabilities are to be completed 2 times in the calendar year.

These accountability reports will be used to ensure services are receiving the appropriate level of funding and are compliant with program requirements. Services may be audited to confirm the accuracy of data provided in performance and financial accountability reports. The department will monitor the implementation of NNM-funded programs through these reporting and acquittal requirements.

5.5.2 Record keeping

Funded organisations must retain relevant records and invoices related to their use of grant funds. These documents must be kept for auditing purposes for five years (from the end of the final program year, 2029) and made available to the department upon request.

5.5.3 Particpate in departemnt-led professional learning

Organisations funded under this program are expected to actively participate in department-led professional learning and related activities as they are provided. Participation is considered a requirement of program engagement and contributes to maintaining program quality and alignment with department standards.

5.5.4 Notify the department of changes

Funding recipients must notify the department promptly of any significant changes to their circumstances that may impact the delivery of funded activities or the use of grant funds, including that:

• ECEC services where the program is delivered must continue to hold a quality rating of at least Meeting the National Standard for the relevant ECEC service
• the language component of the program must be co-developed and delivered by a local language teacher who has documented support from the community where the program will be delivered
• providers of language services must also consider and comply with their obligations under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017, including the requirement to notify the Aboriginal Languages Trust of the establishment and operation of their service.

Early communication will allow the department to manage risks and implement necessary adjustments in a timely and collaborative manner.

5.5.5 Gain department approval before varying approved activites

If a variation to the approved funding activity is required, organisations must:

1. Identify and assess the change – the nature, scope, and rationale for the proposed variation will be clearly documented by the recipient and assessed by the department for alignment with the original project objectives and funding conditions. Proposed variations must be minor only.
2. Submit a formal variation request – a written request outlining the proposed changes, justification, and any potential impact on project outcomes, timelines, or budget will be submitted by the recipient to the department for consideration. Please forward correspondence to ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au.
3. Await approval – no changes to project activities will be implemented until formal written approval has been received from the department. A variation request which is not minor will not be approved. The decision to approve or reject a variation request is made by Director Aboriginal ECO.
4. Update project documentation – upon approval, all relevant project plans, budgets, and reporting frameworks will be updated by the department after the final decision has been approved to reflect the approved variation.

This process ensures transparency, maintains accountability, and supports the effective delivery of the project in accordance with funding requirements.

5.6 Non-compliance

Any services identified as not meeting the funding agreement may be referred to Early Childhood Outcomes, Aboriginal Children’s Programs Team, for additional support. Where these requirements are not met, the department reserves the right to suspend funding and, if issues are not resolved within an agreed timeframe, to cancel the program and withdraw funding.

The department may at its discretion require funding to be paid back to the department or suspend payments.

5.7 Evaluation

Program evaluation will involve qualitative and quantitative measures including feedback from services on the value of the educational opportunity to the children.

Monitoring and evaluation will be ongoing throughout the life of the funding agreement, and will guide any necessary adjustments to the program, with ongoing consultation to inform of changes and to gather feedback from stakeholders.

Evaluation will be included under the First Steps Strategy evaluation using the Re-Imagining Evaluation Framework. The Re-imagining Evaluation Framework, places NNM, and communities at the centre of all evaluation processes. In line with the Framework’s Guiding Principles, evaluation will be culturally responsive, informed by authentic consultation, and grounded in what communities’ value as success.

The department will actively engage with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal organisations and services during site visits to ensure program implementation is transparent, inclusive and aligned with the objectives of the program. These visits will provide opportunities for open dialogue with community members, service providers and stakeholders to discuss progress, identify challenges and share best practice approaches. This collaborative approach ensures that program delivery remains culturally responsive, meets community needs and upholds the principles of accountability and transparency throughout the implementation process.

6. Additonal information and resources

6.1 SmartyGrant Help Guide for Applicants

SmartyGrants and .

6.2 Contact details

For more information about early childhood education programs, please contact the Aboriginal Services team at the department's Aboriginal Early Childhood Outcomes Directorate:

• Email: ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au

Feedback and complaints

Applicants who have feedback, suggestions or complaints about the application and assessment process can contact the department at ECE.aboriginalengagement@det.nsw.edu.au. Alternatively, applicants may:

• complete the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø complaint, compliment or suggestion form.
• call 1800 619 113.

6.3 Access to information

For information about your right to access government-held information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act), please refer to the department’s Agency Information Guide or contact the Right to Access team via GIPA@det.nsw.edu.au.

6.4 Ethical conduct

Applicants must not provide false or misleading information in their application. Any application containing false or misleading statements may be disqualified from consideration or subject to further review. Misrepresentation of information could lead to the withdrawal of funding or legal action.

The department ensures appropriate accountabilities are in place for resolving ethical issues arising from the assessment process. All assessment panel members will be advised that ethical behaviour is required, and that any breach may constitute corrupt conduct under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 and could lead to disciplinary action.

6.5 Conflict of interest management

Prior to the commencement of the assessment process, all panel members will be advised about the confidential nature of the process and asked to complete a 2025 Ninganah No More Program Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Form.

Panel members will also be asked to notify the Probity Advisor, and the Panel Convenor should any actual or perceived conflict of interest arise during the assessment process.

Any potential breaches in confidentiality or conflict of interest issues will be escalated to the Director, Aboriginal Early Childhood Outcomes.

6.6 Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality will be observed during the assessment process.

Applications will be accessed and processed only by appropriate nominated employees, stored in a secure place and kept confidential.

Applications will only be made available to selection panel members or early childhood education staff as appropriate.

6.7 Privacy

Information provided by applicants is collected by the department for the purpose of the administration of the program.

The department is committed to protecting individuals’ personal information in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act). Personal information collected will be managed in accordance with the PPIP Act and the department’s Privacy Policy, available at: /rights-and-accountability/privacy. Further details are outlined in the department’s Privacy Management Plan: Privacy Management Plan (PDF 642.75 KB).

Individuals may request access to, or correction of, their personal information at any time by completing the Application for Amendment Form (PDF 106.68 KB) and submitting it to: legal.privacy@det.nsw.edu.au.

Privacy Officer, Legal Services, NSW department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Level 5, 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW 2150

• T: (02) 7814 3896
• E: legal.privacy@det.nsw.edu.au.