The Pathfinders Aboriginal Birth Certificate program is an initiative which aims to redress the issue of not having a birth, a problem that is faced by many indigenous Australians today.
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It is estimated that 300,000 Australian’s have not had their births registered and 500,000 do not have a birth certificate at all.
As a consequence, many struggle to fully participate in Australian society without this simple but vital document.
They experience difficulty in accessing mainstream services, such as opening bank accounts, joining sporting clubs, enrolling in school, applying for a job or driver’s licence, or voting.
The Pathfinders Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program will be addressing these issues by conducting sign-up days in areas where there are significant numbers of Aboriginal people who don’t have birth certificates.
The Pathfinders Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program is funded primarily by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
A grant from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to Pathfinders to tackle this issue will enable more sign up days, cover the costs of birth certificates, and allow more people to fully participate in society.
A free Birth certificate is available for Aboriginal applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Are preparing to attend pre-school
- Are preparing to attend primary school
- Are preparing to attend secondary school
- Are transitioning from school to the workforce
- Are transitioning from school into further education
- Were born in NSW, Qld, ACT or Vic
- A parent of children / young people applying is also eligible
This service will be coming to Singleton on Tuesday May 31 and will be held at the Singleton Youth Venue from 10am to 3pm.
