Policy and
Advocacy
VACCHO is a strong voice on the priorities and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We develop clear policy priorities supported by effect advocacy campaigns to assist our stakeholders make meaningful change.
At VACCHO, we work with our Members to identify the key issues impacting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across Victoria.
We analyse the broader policy environment and work in-house to produce evidence-based policy position papers that underpin how we advocate for better health and wellbeing outcomes for the Victorian Aboriginal community.
We strive to ensure that the concerns of our Members are always on the policy agenda. We develop policy positions through Member engagement and consultation. Once a policy position has been established, our team engages with stakeholders, prepares submissions, and publishes our position papers for circulation.
On this page, you will find VACCHO’s key policy and advocacy areas including detail on our current work and achievements, and how we plan to engage with these policy areas going forward.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Mental Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Children & Families
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Health
Justice
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Reform
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Primary
Health
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Other Drugs
VACCHO’s Advisory Groups and Forums
Coalition for Aboriginal Health Equality Victoria (CAHEV)
Working to ensure that the commitments of the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes are met.
National Advisory Group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care (NAGATSIAC)
Advocates on aged care policies, programs and services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Victorian Advisory Council on Koori Health (VACKH)
VACKH was established to bring together on a regular and formal basis, representatives responsible for state-wide Aboriginal health issues in Victoria.
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum
A strategic collaboration between the Aboriginal Community-controlled health sector, the mainstream health sector and the Victorian Department of Health
Victorian Aboriginal Ear & Speech Health Group (VAESH)
VAESH meet regularly to discuss ear/hearing and speech concerns and challenges currently faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.
Victorian Committee for Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD)
The Victorian reference group for staff in organisations providing Home and Community Care (HACC) services to Aboriginal people.
Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum
Connecting Aboriginal Community members to key decision makers across government so they can address family violence issues together.
The Balit Durn Durn Centre: A landmark moment for Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was honoured to launch the Balit Durn Durn...
VACCHO’s 2022 Federal Election Priorities
VACCHO advocates for strength-based approaches to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait...
Commencement of Veronica Nelson Coronial Inquest – VACCHO Response
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and its members would like to extend their...
VACCHO panel to feature at Melbourne Knowledge Week / Narrm Ngarrgu
Representatives from three VACCHO Member Community controlled health organisations will feature on a special panel at...
CULTURE CRITICAL TO CREATING POSITIVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OUTCOMES
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) would like to pay tribute to Members and...
2022 KMS Forum: Supporting culturally safe best practice maternity care
For the first time in two years Koori Maternity Service (KMS) units from all over Victoria gathered on Wadawurrung...
Treaty will ensure First Peoples are not left behind in post-COVID recovery
Opinion It’s been a tough couple of years. I think I can say that without any fear of contradiction, and there might...
VACCHO MEMBERS’ MEETING TO LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR 2022
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is excited to host its first in-person...
So you want to celebrate January 26 in 2022?
Invasion Day. Survival Day. Day of Mourning. Every year when January 26 comes around, I feel a deep pain – a feeling...
Disturbing new report highlights increase in suicides rates
VACCHO and the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing (the Centre) are extremely disturbed...