Who are we?

We represent the collective of all Aboriginal community controlled health organisations around Victoria. Each of our members is an Aboriginal community controlled organisation: most are multi functional community organisations with health as a key part of their responsibility and some come from groups offering full health services. Each member of VACCHO is independent and are represented by their own spokesperson sent by their local community. Every state has a similar set-up and together we form the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to operate at the national level. VACCHO is not a direct service provider.

"Each Aboriginal community needs its own community based, locally owned, culturally appropriate and adequately resourced, primary health care facility. That is our right."
VACCHO

Why are we needed?

To ensure we have a strategic planning forum and a community controlled political voice to represent our people in their struggle for improved health status. The health of the Aboriginal population is well below the average for all Australians. Aboriginal people have a much shorter life expectancy than the average and suffer from more chronic illness. A series of Royal Commissions and official studies conclude that the deplorable state of Aboriginal health is a result of both long standing and contemporary cultural dislocation, deprivation and social disadvantage. The decline continues and health and community service systems have failed to respond adequately and appropriately.

"It is not merely a matter of the provision of doctors, hospitals, medicines. Health to Aboriginal peoples is a matter of determining all aspects of their life including control over their physical environment, of dignity, of community self-esteem, and of justice."
National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Party. 1989

Better health for Aboriginal people will only happen when Aboriginal people and their organisations are able to act on their own behalf. That's what VACCHO is about, building know-how and getting resources to local communities who can make real improvements. Both the State and Federal Governments formally recognise us as the peak representative organisation on Aboriginal Health in Victoria.

Who are the members?

Every local Aboriginal community-controlled organisation with a health function is entitled to take up their option on membership. Each member organisation then nominates a person to represent them on VACCHO.

What do we do?

We are the channel for communities to direct Aboriginal health policies in Victoria. We support locally planned initiatives and work on member's behalf only as requested. Part of our responsibility is co-ordinating state-wide opinion and direction on Aboriginal health issues that affect all member communities.

What don't we do?

We don't run health services. That's the role of our members. We do not have a funding role, nor an influence on which people or community gets funding. That's business between individual organisations and the funding source.

What won't we do?

We will not get involved in the internal politics of any local community or organisation.

Where are we?

You can find us at 5-7 Smith Street in Fitzroy.
When you have the time, you are most welcome to come in and have a look around. We can help out with any other questions you have about VACCHO.