The Andrews Labor Government is boosting support for Aboriginal organisations, creating jobs and ensuring we can all recover strongly from the global pandemic.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced the roll-out of the first tranche of the $40 million Aboriginal Workforce Fund at Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative in Horsham.
Goolum Goolum has received $150,000 to create culturally-appropriate supervision and debriefing services for local communities.
State-wide organisations, including Djirra, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Aboriginal Housing Victoria will each receive major boosts of $400,000 to support communities across the state.
These are among 44 organisations of all sizes across Victoria who are sharing in a total $11.2 million to boost the workforce and contribute to social recovery following the challenges of 2020.
The fund supports upskilling, training, worker health and wellbeing, organisational capability building, as well as extra staff to assist service delivery.
The funding empowers Aboriginal organisations to drive their own recovery priorities with their communities.
The Victorian Aboriginal Social Recovery Advisory Group, consisting of key Aboriginal leaders and CEOs from local and state-wide Aboriginal organisations, was convened to guide the fund design, priorities and approach.
These efforts build on $10 million the Labor Government has already invested in the Aboriginal Community Response and Recovery Fund, to support Aboriginal groups in leading local responses to the pandemic, including emergency relief, outreach, and social and wellbeing initiatives.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Whether they deliver healthcare, social services or a place to come together – we are investing in Victorian Aboriginal organisations to support their communities and set their own priorities – as we all recover from the global pandemic together.”
“Aboriginal organisations are leading the way in ensuring their communities bounce back stronger than ever with vital services when they’re needed the most – and we’re backing them every step of the way.”
Quote attributable Member for Western Victoria region Jaala Pulford
“The Aboriginal Workforce Fund will enable Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to boost support for communities, upskill, create jobs and further advance self-determination.”
Reviewed 11 May 2021