The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Aboriginal organisations have the facilities they need to support their communities and deliver the best services to First People’s Victorians.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams has announced 21 Aboriginal organisations will share in $11 million to build or upgrade community infrastructure as part of the sixth round of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
This includes Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative in Geelong, which will receive $1.6 million to develop a Healing Spirit Youth Hub, creating a fit-for-purpose, culturally safe space for children and young people to access clinical and therapeutic, social and emotional wellbeing services and supports.
The Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service will receive almost $300,000 to build accessible counselling spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families experiencing or at risk of family violence.
Bunjilwarra, an alcohol and other drugs residential rehabilitation and healing service for Aboriginal young people located in Hastings, will also receive $1.4 million to improve access to the facility and upgrade buildings.
Other organisations funded for capital works include Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative in Horsham, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation in the state’s north.
A range of other organisations receiving funding for repairs and feasibility studies include Baluk Arts in Mount Eliza, Dardi Munwurro in Reservoir, Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association and the Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Service in Northcote.
Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to advancing self-determination and ensuring organisations have a strong social, cultural and economic base to support them now and into the future.
Since 2018, the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program has supported 94 projects and delivered more than $39 million for Aboriginal organisations to build new infrastructure, or to repair and expand existing infrastructure so they can create culturally safe spaces and bolster essential services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
“We’re proud to be partnering with frontline Aboriginal organisations to ensure they have fit-for-purpose facilities that provide culturally safe spaces for Community.”
“These grants will allow Aboriginal organisations to get on with what they do best – identifying and providing the services Aboriginal people need.”
Reviewed 25 August 2022