The Andrews Labor Government is standing by members of the Stolen Generations to help them heal, reconnect and be well.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced more than $6 million to be shared by the Koorie Heritage Trust and Connecting Home Limited over the next four years.
It means both organisations can continue doing their vital work supporting Stolen Generations members and the broader Aboriginal community with immediate assistance, research and healing.
Connecting Home moved into its new headquarters in Epping last year and supports Aboriginal communities right across the state with holistic case management services as well as social, emotional and wellbeing support.
Addressing the past and intergenerational trauma is a key part of healing, which is work also being undertaken by the Koorie Heritage Trust, along with reaffirming knowledge of family, culture and community.
The funding for the Trust will also support their work collecting oral histories of South Eastern Aboriginal Australia, ensuring this history is preserved for future generations.
The Labor Government is continuing to progress its landmark Stolen Generations Redress Scheme to address the trauma and suffering caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Every Aboriginal child, family and community deserves the opportunity to remain strong in their culture and identity.”
“We cannot change the past, but we can help make an enormous difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal Victorian people who still suffer today because of the way they were treated.”
Quotes attributable to Connecting Home and Koorie Heritage Trust Chair Ian Hamm
“Knowing who you are and where you come from is an essential part of identity and pride for Koorie people.”
“Through our confidential client-based Koorie Family History Service, we view our role as an important part of building pride and creating a sense of wellbeing in the Koorie and broader Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Reviewed 05 January 2021