The purpose of the Program is to enable First Nations people to recover from AGRN 1212 through culturally appropriate and supported initiatives.

The Aboriginal Engagement and Support Coordinator Program (AESC) was developed in response to the flooding and severe weather events of May 2025.

The program supports First Nations communities to lead recovery activities, strengthen community connections and build resilience to future disasters.

Successful applicants will receive up to $750,000 funding to:

• support community-led recovery and resilience activities
• strengthen local capability through knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives to build resilience
• develop and deliver community-led approaches to engagement during disasters and beyond
• develop a place-based Connecting with Country Framework, a community-led approach to future engagement, that supports resilience, capacity building and empowerment.

Funding will be available until 30 June 2028.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• work directly with First Nations communities
• be an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Aboriginal not-for-profit organisation or a partnership of these organisations
• have an established presence in one or more of the following local government areas:
  • Bellingen
  • Coffs Harbour
  • Dungog
  • Kempsey
  • Mid Coast
  • Nambucca
  • Port Macquarie
  • Port Stephens

• Email: CRP@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au