An estimated 300,000 Australians have not had their births registered and 500,000 do not have a birth certificate. As a consequence, many people struggle to fully participate in Australian society without this simple but vital document. They experience difficulty enrolling in schools and in accessing mainstream services, such as opening bank accounts, joining sporting clubs, voting, and applying for a job, a driver’s licence or a passport.
Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program
The Pathfinders Aboriginal Birth Certificate Project, was an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program that aimed to redress this issue by conducting sign-up days in towns and areas where there are significant numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who don’t have birth certificates. Since the program’s inception more than 8,000 people have gained access to their birth certificates.
Eligibility
A free Birth Certificate was available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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
ID requirements
Pathfinders recognised that in the absence of a Birth Certificate it was difficult to produce the forms of identification required to apply for a certificate. Several forms of identification are still required by law and Parents/Guardians and young people 16 yrs and over must have 3 forms of ID from the following:
| Category 1 (You need one from here) |
Category 2 (You need two from here) |
Proof of Guardianship (You need one from here) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s License | Medicare Card | Child’s name on Medicare card |
| Passport | Credit or Debit Card | Child’s name on C’link card |
| Firearm’s License | Proof of Age Card | Letter from at GP |
| RTA or RMS Photo card | Letter from Centrelink | |
| Centrelink Benefit Card | ||
| Certificate of Aboriginality | ||
| Marriage License |
Latest News
Taree Community Outreach Expo
Last week Pathfinders along with the PNABC attended the Taree Community Outreach Expo. This was a great day where local outreach programs were all able to get together to engage, answer questions and promote their services to the community. There were a dozen community programs present that gave Pathfinders not only the opportunity to connect... View Article
Pathfinders PNABC At Trangie Family Fun Day
On the 1st of April, Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program attended the Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Councils Family Fun Day. Thanks to the LALC for organising a fantastic event. With special thanks to the LALC CEO Terrie Milgate who made it possible for Pathfinders to attend. Pathfinders looks forward to attending many more events such... View Article
Seeking Funding Support to reinvigorate the Pathfinders NABC Program
A meeting was held in Tamworth on Friday 25th May with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Sarah Mitchell and Phil Naden, CEO of Bila Muuji, in the hope of Seeking Funding Support to reinvigorate the Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program in NSW. Pathfinders is determined to source additional funds to keep this vital program operating as Aboriginal... View Article
National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program – ABC Interview
Joe Craigie, Pathfinders’ Senior Manager of Aboriginal Strategy and Engagement, spoke with ABC New England North West about the organisation’s efforts to revive, refund and eventually expand the Pathfinders’ National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program. Listen below to hear the full interview: For more information on the NABC program visit our website http://www.pathfinders.ngo/projects/aboriginal-birth-certificate-project/ or to contact... View Article
