The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is pleased to secure funding wins for Victorian Aboriginal communities in today’s budget announcement.
VACCHO’s Balit Durn Durn Centre received $13.2 million to pilot two Nests, which is an Aboriginal-designed and led, culturally appropriate, mental health and social and emotional wellbeing service for Aboriginal children aged up to 11 years and their families.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO said she is pleased by the funding which begins to deliver on recommendation 33.4 of the Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System.
“The Nest is a transformative initiative that will deliver measurable social and cultural evidence-based reform and strengthens families, while reducing reliance on crisis services.”
Executive Director of the Balit Durn Durn Centre, Sheree Lowe, said she looks forward to implementing the pilot and building on the evidence to deliver a state-wide service committed to the Royal Commission recommendations.
“Victorian Aboriginal children and families continue to endure significantly poorer mental health and wellbeing outcomes than the broader Victorian population. This funding will help to improve outcomes for our Boorai (children) and their families through culturally safe, Aboriginal-led early intervention supports.” Ms Lowe said.
VACCHO also welcomes funding over three years to deliver the Wathaurong Dreaming Project for the redevelopment of their premises in North Geelong.
The funding will be used to consolidate staff, services and Community facilities and provide additional consultation rooms for primary care, including GP, dental and other allied health facilities.
Dr Gallagher said, “This much needed redevelopment will ensure that the Community have a fit-for-purpose, culturally safe spaces designed to deliver comprehensive and integrated care. While the commitment for Wathaurong is certainly welcomed, there is still a long way to go in improving ACCO infrastructure across the state.”
VACCHO also welcomes the suicide prevention investment by the state Government some of which is earmarked for the Balit Durn Durn Centre to support Aboriginal communities.
Despite some positive Budget outcomes, VACCHO acknowledges that it does fall short in several key areas, including the lack of funding for two Healing Centres, another recommendation of the Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System.
“This is a critical oversight given the increasing level of mental distress and rates of suicide in Community and VACCHO hopes this is addressed in November’s election commitments.,” Dr Gallagher said.
VACCHO and the Balit Durn Durn Centre will continue to work with the Victorian Government to ensure they fulfil their obligation to realise the intent of the Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System.
VACCHO also remains committed to pushing for sustainable, long-term investment that respects self-determination and meets Community needs.
