Seventeen grassroots initiatives across the Northern Territory will share in more than $150,000 in funding under this year’s Men’s Places Grants Program, supporting projects that aim to improve health, leadership, connection and healing for men and boys in communities from Alice Springs to Ngukurr.
Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality, Jinson Charls, confirmed the funding round has been expanded to $152,950—up from the original $100,000—after strong demand from local organisations.
“We’re backing grassroots initiatives that are culturally safe, community-led and focused on building stronger futures for men and boys,” Mr Charls said. “These grants are about supporting Territory men to heal and connect—in their families, workplaces and communities.”
The 2025 round received 29 applications, prompting the Finocchiaro CLP Government to boost the total pool. “The demand for this program shows just how many local organisations are ready to step up and support men’s wellbeing across the Territory,” Mr Charls added.
Among this year’s recipients is Alice Springs-based Birth and Beyond, which received $10,000 to run Becoming Dad, a peer-support and education program for new fathers. The first session was held last night, with five dads attending.
“The program is for both new and expecting fathers or men who have taken on a parenting role and is the opportunity to connect with each other around what it means to be an active and positive dad,” said Relationships Australia NT Group Facilitator Rob Stoll.
Other projects being supported range from intergenerational mentoring and music groups, to workshops on leadership, economic participation, and healing from trauma. Several initiatives are designed specifically for Aboriginal men and men from refugee backgrounds, and many include culturally grounded experiences such as on-Country camps.
The grants align with the NT Men’s Places Policy and Program, which focuses on five areas: community engagement; health and wellbeing; safety; economic security; and leadership and participation.
The successful recipients include:
- Alawa Aboriginal Corporation
- Annge
- Childbirth Education Association’s Becoming Dad Mparntwe
- Children’s Ground’s Men’s Kitchen
- Darwin Youth Services
- David Garnham and The Choir of Man
- Gulf Youth & Community Service’s Indigenous Intergenerational Men’s Group
- Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation
- Melaleuca Refugee Centre’s Men Inspiring Men
- MJD Foundation
- Pathfinder NT
- Relationships Australia NT’s Healing Our Children
- Top End Rhythm Academy’s Men of Music
- Trainspire’s Talking Blokes
- Warddeken Land Management
- Wildfire Consultancy’s Kintore Men’s Place
- Zion Community Care’s Stronger Together
The Men’s Places Grants Program is a core part of the Northern Territory Gender Equality Action Plan 2022–25, which aims to create a more inclusive, healthy and fair society for all Territorians.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
