- Published:
- Monday 20 December 2021
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting self-determination and culturally safe service delivery for Victoria’s Aboriginal community through the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Richard Wynne today announced $7.9 million is being invested across 13
projects for vital infrastructure for Aboriginal organisations.
The Labor Government will provide:
- $1.6 million for the Koorie Heritage Trust to design and fit-out its expansion of the Yarra Building at Federation Square.
- $1.5 million to First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing to purchase and refurbish a property in Thomastown and increase the quality of primary healthcare services for the local community.
- $300,000 for specialist family violence legal and support service Djirra to upgrade its head office in Abbotsford to increase security and safety for the Aboriginal women who use their services.
- $1.6 million for seven projects across regional Victoria, including for Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation to redevelop their Yitjawudik Men’s Recovery Centre in Toolamba, supporting Aboriginal men who experience alcohol and/or drug dependency.
- $770,000 to Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative to upgrade their existing administration building to create more office space and improve the availability of culturally safe services.
Since 2018, the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program has delivered $19.9 million for Aboriginal organisations to build new infrastructure, or to repair and expand existing infrastructure so they can create culturally safe spaces and strengthen services.
Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to advance self-determination and ensure organisations have a strong social, cultural and economic base from which to build their future.
The next round of funding will open in March next year. For more information, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Richard Wynne
“The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program is about empowering Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to deliver fit-for-purpose facilities that benefit their communities and provide a culturally safe place to access vital services like health support, community services and cultural spaces.”
“We’re proud to support Aboriginal organisations to deliver the infrastructure projects that will best support their communities so they can thrive, and live self-determined and culturally rich lives.”