The Victorian Government is supporting Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to develop and upgrade their infrastructure, ensuring they can continue to deliver the services their communities need.
The announcement, held at the Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) in Brunswick East, celebrated 22 recipients who will share over $11 million as part of the seventh round of the Victorian Government’s Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
ACES, located on the banks of the Merri Creek, will receive more than $1.5 million to upgrade their facilities and provide a functional and comfortable gathering space for Aboriginal Elders.
ACES was established in 1987 thanks to the tireless work of the late Aunty Iris Lovett Gardiner and other Elders. The residential aged care facility provides a range of services to Elders, ensuring they receive care that is culturally appropriate and tailored to their individual needs and choices.
The Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative in Ararat is receiving $1.6 million to expand its medical clinic and support the delivery of culturally safe services in an accessible and welcoming environment.
Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative also received $1.4 million to renovate and expand its community hub in Warrnambool to improve accessibility and create community spaces to host events and art exhibitions, as well as support service delivery.
Since 2018, the program has invested almost $50 million to deliver fit-for-purpose buildings and enhance culturally responsive services to improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians.
The program reflects the Victorian Government’s work to put decision making power in the hands of Aboriginal Victorians – because the best outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal people drive the decisions about their lives, communities and futures.
For more information visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program.
Image credit: Concept stage perspective view prepared by Sands Building Design for the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Service, who received over $600,000 from the Program to contribute to the construction of their health clinic in Lakes Entrance.
Open to Aboriginal organisations operating across Victoria, the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program invests in viable, local infrastructure projects to enable Aboriginal organisations to build new fit-for-purpose infrastructure; repair, refurbish or expand existing infrastructure; or undertake planning activities for future infrastructure projects.
Local Government Victoria delivers the program in partnership with First Peoples–State Relations in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.