The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) welcomes today’s historic Apology delivered by Premier Jacinta Allan, to the Aboriginal community of Victoria.
Delivered during a special sitting of the Victorian Parliament, the Apology acknowledges the profound harms caused to our peoples by the State—harms that are historic, structural, and ongoing.
The Apology responds to a key recommendation of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and fulfils the first part of the first Statewide Treaty, recently signed into law.
Premier Jacinta Allan delivering the State Apology to Aboriginal Victorians
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO said today’s historic moment belongs to generations of Aboriginal people whose strength, truth-telling, and unwavering activism have pushed Victoria towards a more honest relationship with First Peoples.
“This Apology didn’t come from nowhere. It came from decades—centuries—of our people fighting to have the truth recognised. Today is a testament to the resilience of Community, and to the power of truth-telling when it is honoured, not feared” said Dr Gallagher.
Dr Gallagher emphasised that while the Apology is significant, it must mark the beginning of deeper systems reform.
“Words matter, but actions matter more. We expect the Victorian Government to follow today with real investment, real reform, and real accountability so our people can live strong, healthy, and self-determined lives.”
VACCHO also highlighted the urgent need for government to invest in Aboriginal-led healing initiatives that respond directly to long-term harm and intergenerational trauma.
Through its Balit Durn Durn Centre, VACCHO is committed to nurturing a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) workforce to support Community across Victoria. The Centre is advancing critical work to secure funding for The Nest Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Service and two Healing Centres— co-designed, self-determined responses to recommendations 33.1 and 33.4 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Executive Director for SEWB at VACCHO and the Balit Durn Durn Centre, Sheree Lowe says these initiatives will address unmet needs for Aboriginal children, families, and Communities by providing culturally strong, trauma-informed support and care.
“If Victoria is serious about healing, it must invest in Aboriginal-led solutions,” said Ms. Lowe. “The Nest and our Healing Centre’s models are exactly the kind of responses our Communities have called for—designed by us, for us, and grounded in Culture, connection, and self-determination.”
VACCHO will continue advocating for systems reform, equitable funding, and a health landscape in which Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are resourced and respected to lead.
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