A Shark Tank-style event that allows groups to pitch for funding is coming to Tamworth in April – and at this stage the “pot” stands at $180,000.
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Groups with innovative health and wellbeing ideas for Indigenous people are urged to make a submission for Pitch Night 2.
The organiser, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, wants to hear from suitable groups, who’ll have the chance to gain exposure and one-off funding.
Moree first winner
The first annual Pitch Night was held in Newcastle on August 2017.
Four finalist organisations pitched their ideas and audience members were given $1600 to invest as they desired.
Moree’s Pius X took away $47,500 for a pilot program addressing the high rate of low-birthweight babies born to Aboriginal mums in the area.
“Events of this scope are rarely staged outside of metropolitan and urban areas, which is why we decided to bring Pitch Night 2 to Tamworth,” spokesman Kevin Rigby said.
Public voting
“In addition to audience pledging on the night, a community voting element will be introduced for Pitch Night 2, which will enable those not attending the event to vote.”
Mr Rigby said finalists would be showcased online for three weeks before the event, and a portion of funding would go to each organisation based on the public vote tally.
“To broaden the impact of the successful projects, we would be keen to talk to corporate and philanthropic organisations who support Closing the Gap initiatives and could add to the funding pool – they can contact myself if they are interested in being involved.”
Mr Rigby said Aboriginal health was a key priority for HNECC PHN and suitable submissions could include:
- socio-economic disadvantage and poor health;
- maternal health;
- mental health, and suicide prevention;
- early intervention initiatives;
- childhood immunisation (1-2 years);
- chronic disease, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes; and
- barrier reduction, including health literacy, service navigation and care co-ordination.
Next steps
“We are encouraging participation and submissions from Aboriginal medical services and Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, as well as other culturally safe and competent services within the HNECC PHN region,” Mr Rigby said.
- An application information pack is available from https://www.tenderlink.com/hneccphn/ and more event information is at peoplebank.hneccphn.com.au
Key dates:
- Submissions open January 4
- Submissions close 2pm February 26
- Pitch coaching workshop with finalists held March 21
- Pitch Night 2 held April 12