VACCHO congratulates the Balit Durn Durn Centre on three years of pioneering change. 

Sheree Lowe, Executive Director of the Balit Durn Durn Centre, extends her heartfelt congratulations to the dedicated social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, alcohol and drug, and suicide prevention workforces for their vital contributions to Community. She also recognises the tireless efforts of the entire team, who have worked incredibly hard over the past three years to build the Centre and drive meaningful system reform. 

“Last year we proudly launched our strategic plan which identified five key areas of focus that will support us in leading significant change in how we deliver of Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing services.” 

Since the launch of the Centre in May 2022, Ms Lowe and the team have been working alongside Aboriginal organisations to help expand and grow SEWB services in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), develop Community-led suicide prevention resources, supporting the workforce and working with mainstream mental health services across the state.” 

“The past three years have been dedicated to laying a strong foundation for the Centre, and now it’s time to bring our vision to life. Since last year we have awarded 56 recipients with Aboriginal SEWB scholarships to pursue their university studies, and we look forward to expanding that program this year,” Ms Lowe said. 

The Balit Durn Durn Centre was a key outcome from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and was an initiative designed to foster innovation and improvement in social and emotional wellbeing practice, policy and research.  

VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO said the Centre has emerged as a beacon of hope for transformative change in the mainstream mental health system.  

“Through the essential work undertaken by the Centre, we are helping to build healthy, thriving Aboriginal families surrounded by Culture and Community.” 

Dr Gallagher said the collaborative efforts of Centre’s diverse and dedicated team have been instrumental in honouring and respecting Culture, Country, the traditions, values, and knowledge systems of Aboriginal communities.  

“I commend the Balit Durn Durn Centre for its groundbreaking work to date, and I eagerly anticipate the impactful, but hard, work yet to come,” she said. 

Balit Durn Durn means strong brain, mind, intellect and sense of self in Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung language.  

You can find more information about the Balit Durn Durn Centre here.