The Andrews Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to provide vital health services in culturally safe ways with a landmark investment in new jobs across the state.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams today announced $25 million is being shared across 26 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations as part of the second tranche of the Aboriginal Workforce Fund.
The fund was established to support organisations to set their own workforce priorities, with a focus on new jobs, staff wellbeing and building organisations’ capacity to continue delivering vital services to their communities.
Recipients include the Aboriginal Community Elders Service, which received $1.6 million to deliver holistic mental health and alcohol and other drug services, and to enhance Elders’ connections with their culture and community.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Services has also been allocated $1.4 million to strengthen the capacity and capability of its workforce to deliver a range of medical, dental and social services for Victoria’s Aboriginal community.
Other organisations to receive funding include the Oonah Health and Community Services, which will expand its clinical arm and employ new staff to support the delivery of health, education, community and employment services, and Kirrae Health Service, which will invest in skills training for its Aboriginal workers.
The development of the workforce fund has been guided by a 14-member steering committee, including key leaders from Aboriginal organisations across the state, in a process that was designed and led by the Aboriginal health sector.
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
“Aboriginal organisations know what’s best for their communities – that’s why the workforce fund is essential to ensuring there is direct and culturally safe support wherever they think it’s most needed.”
“Aboriginal health organisations invest in their workforces so that they have the skills and resources needed to continue this important work.”
