Content warning: The following article contains discussion on suicide which may be distressing.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and its Balit Durn Durn Centre (BDDC) have proudly launched BLKTRX – Victoria’s first online suicide prevention service directory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The new directory aims to help Aboriginal people across Victoria find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and suicide prevention services.
BLKTRX forms part of VACCHO’s broader commitment to strengthening Aboriginal SEWB across Victoria, with VACCHO’s 2026–27 State Budget Bid calling for investment in two Aboriginal Healing Centres and The Nest – a dedicated Aboriginal Family Safety and Healing Hub.
Both budget initiatives are Royal Commission recommendations that the Victorian Government has accepted but is overdue in implementing.
In early 2025, the Yirramboi Murrup Unit at the Coroners Court of Victoria released its Suicides of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Victoria, 2020–2024 report, which found the annual rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains three times higher than for non-Indigenous Victorians.
The report revealed that 56.6 per cent of Aboriginal people who died by suicide during this period were under 35 years of age, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and culturally safe support.
Executive Director of the BDDC and Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing Sheree Lowe, says the Aboriginal Community cannot wait another year for the Victorian Government to deliver on its promise.
“I am hopeful that this year the funding will be delivered for two Aboriginal Healing Centres and The Nest, but more intensive steps need to be taken to support Aboriginal Community right now.”
“These resources are the start of a suite of resources to help Mob feel confident to reach out for support. A simple yarn, a check-in or a moment of connection can make all the difference, because we know that connection is prevention.”
Initiatives like BLKTRX will help to provide culturally safe spaces for recovery, connection, and holistic support, which are all crucial elements in reducing the long-term impacts of trauma, grief, and suicide on Aboriginal Communities.
Created by Mob for Mob, BLKTRX brings trusted support services together in one place, recognising that help is not one-size-fits-all. It highlights services delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Victoria and has an interactive map which helps locate local support in a simple and visual way.
Ms Lowe highlights that BLKTRX is much more than just an online service directory – it is a unique initiative that will help Aboriginal people to find the most appropriate, culturally safe support for themselves, their family or someone they care about.
“It’s a Community-led initiative that backs self-determination, strengthens choice, and makes trusted services easier to reach and we want people to use it, not just when in crisis, and shape it as it grows,” she said.
VACCHO and the BDDC acknowledges the Victorian Government’s Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy 2024-34 which elevates the principle of Advancing Aboriginal Self-determination. The BDDC is committed to working with the Government to deliver this and deliver Aboriginal-led programs that deliver mental wellbeing through to crisis response.
View the BLKTRX online directory here blktrx.org.au/
NOTE: Your social and emotional wellbeing is important. Further support can be found through any of the following support lines and resources:
- Yarning Safe N Strong (24/7) | 1800 959 563
- 13YARN | 13 92 76 (24/7)
- Brother to brother crisis line (24/7) | 1800 435 799
- Thirrili – The National Indigenous Postvention Service – After Suicide Support (24/7) | 1800 805 801
- Qlife – anonymous and free LGBTI peer support (3pm-Midnight every day) | 1800 184 527
- SuicideLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
- Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline (24/7) | 1800 55 1800
