The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has delivered funding secured from the Victorian Government to support the continuation of Culture and Kinship initiatives across Victoria.
This Victorian Government funding will enable 15 Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to design and deliver locally led activities that strengthen identity, belonging, and community connectedness.
A successful Culture and Kinship pilot project was initially delivered across four ACCO’s in 2022, with the evaluation report demonstrating a social return of more than $8 for every dollar invested.
Yesterday VACCHO CEO, Dr. Jill Gallagher AO celebrated the milestone with Minister for Health the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas. Dr Gallagher says the Culture and Kinship program is uniquely Community driven and empowers Aboriginal Communities to lead the way in increasing the connectedness and sense of belonging experienced by Aboriginal people.
“The return on investment demonstrated in previous projects has reaffirmed the evidence that local Aboriginal-led approaches deliver the best results for Community, and that reconnecting culture, identity, and kinship is fundamental to Aboriginal people’s health and wellbeing.”
The strengthening of Aboriginal Community kinship structures and investing in the ability for Communities to organise their own revival of cultural knowledge, and practices that affirm identity and belonging, are critical elements in creating better health and wellbeing outcomes.
“Hosting these activities in ACCOs is especially important, as it strengthens the important relationships between Communities and the providers of critical health and wellbeing services,” she said.
Some of the Culture and Kinship initiatives planned for this round of funding includes an Elders Choir, Cultural Memory and Return to Country Project, Youth Cultural and Diversionary Camps, Transferring Elders Knowledge and Early Years Connection to Country.
“Prioritising Culture and Kinship creates the foundations for connection, fostering a sense of purpose, belonging, and identity, while build stronger relationships,” Dr Gallagher said.
The 15 ACCOs that have received funding include;
- Yappera Children’s Service Cooperative
- Weenthunga Health Network Inc
- ACES Aboriginal Community Elder Services Inc.
- Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services
- The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
- Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS)
- Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative
- Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation
- Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc
- Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service Inc.
- Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-op
- Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
- Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative
- Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Limited
- Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association
You can read the official release from the Victorian Government media centre here.
