The Andrews Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to support their communities and provide culturally safe and inclusive services.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced more than $10 million as part of round six of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, which will support vital upgrades for Aboriginal organisations across Victoria.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to $1.6 million to repair, refurbish or expand existing facilities or build new facilities that respond to the needs of Aboriginal communities.
Past projects include the refurbishment of the Aboriginal Housing Victoria offices in North Fitzroy, a major expansion of the Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative's medical and community centre in Halls Gap, and the expansion of the Yirram Burron Early Learning Centre in Sebastopol.
Since 2017, the Labor Government has invested more than $28 million in Aboriginal community infrastructure, which has included funding for 73 projects across the state.
Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and helps organisations have a strong social, cultural and economic base from which to build their future.
Applications for Round 6 of the Program close on Monday 2 May 2022. For more information or to apply, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
"Every Aboriginal Victorian deserves a space they can call their own and where they can be with others in their community - these grants help provide that."
"More than 70 Aboriginal organisations have so far been supported to design and create spaces for their communities to deliver culturally appropriate health, aged care, housing services, with more to come this year."
"Better infrastructure means better services so that communities can thrive, determine their own future, and live culturally rich lives."
As stated by Aboriginal Housing Victoria CEO Darren Smith
"Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and social and economic development for Aboriginal Victorians."
