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 a series of grants for Aboriginal organisations across Western Victoria to improve their facilities.
The Labor Government will provide:
- $1.5 million to Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to develop Stage 1 of a Keeping Place for Gunditjmara people to reinforce the strengths of its community and culture
- $144,454 to Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service Inc for repairs and minor works on the Ngootyoong Mara Cultural Healing Centre
- $50,000 to Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative to develop a business case on a multi-purpose facility to promote culture and community engagement
- $48,079 to Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative to develop a business case to investigate bringing its healthcare, community services and corporate services under one roof.
These grants are 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 noted 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 noted by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Giving Aboriginal organisations across Western Victoria the funding to improve their facilities so they can better plan their own future goes to the heart of self-determination and helps close the gap.”
As noted by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Western Victorian Aboriginal organisations are doing a great job delivering front line services and this grant program will support these organisations to grow and flourish.”
