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Supporting Aboriginal Communities Across Victoria

17 June 2021

The Victorian Government is empowering Aboriginal communities to deliver a range of Aboriginal-led initiatives and programs supporting local communities.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced 30 Aboriginal organisations will share in $4.6 million through the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response and Recovery Fund to deliver 35 local initiatives.

The programs will support locally designed initiatives that provide emergency relief, outreach and brokerage for at-risk groups, cultural strengthening, and social and emotional wellbeing.

Recipients include the Dhauward-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service who have received $85,000 to provide emergency relief to community members experiencing hardship following the coronavirus pandemic.

This emergency relief will address the immediate needs of community and offer further supports in addition to their current men’s and women’s support programs.

The Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation is also being supported with over $280,000 to continue their Feeding the Mob program, providing meals and connection to vulnerable community members.

This program, which operates out of the Bush Café, strengthens community and provide an opportunity for Gunaikurnai culture and Indigenous foods to be showcased.

In addition, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association have received more than $67,000 to run a Women’s Empowerment Program, offering a path of healing for women through arts and crafts, yarning circles, coping skills workshops, cultural activities, and emotional wellbeing workshops.

More than 80 local initiatives across Victoria have shared in $10 million since the fund was established in July 2020.

For more information about the fund visit aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-response-and-recovery-fundExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“Victorian Aboriginal people are best placed to identify the need within their communities, and have the skills to drive the best possible outcomes.”

“Were supporting Aboriginal organisations to build strong communities as we continue our commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal people.”

Reviewed 18 June 2021

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