Funding Boost For Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting self-determination by improving the community facilities of Aboriginal organisations across Victoria.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings today announced the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) had received just over $310,000 for capital works and upgrades.

VACCA is the lead Aboriginal child and family welfare organisation in Victoria, protecting and promoting the rights of Aboriginal children and young people.

The funding will go toward structural works to improve and optimise its existing space to accommodate more staff and make it a better space for Aboriginal Victorians making use of their important services.

The grant is from the second round of the Labor Government’s Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, which has invested $14.9 million to build new community infrastructure or to repair, refurbish or expand existing facilities.

Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and social and economic development for Aboriginal Victorians.

The Labor Government acknowledges the right to self-determination and recognises that only when Aboriginal people are central to the decision-making processes that affect their lives, will sustained and long-term changes in health and wellbeing be achieved.

As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings

“This vital program is investing in community facilities to make the lives of Aboriginal Victorians better and support self-determination.”

As stated by Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan

“VACCA do a great job supporting Aboriginal families and children, and with this grant funding they can do even more in their crucial work protecting and promoting the rights of Aboriginal children and young people.”

/Public Release. View in full here.