The Allan Labor Government is backing Aboriginal community led-efforts to stop family violence before it starts, with more funding for grassroots initiatives to deliver local solutions.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins today visited the Inner Gippsland Dhelk Dja Action Group to announce the 27 community-driven projects across Victoria who will share in more than $1.1 million to through the Victorian Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund 2024-25.
The Inner Gippsland Dhelk Dja Action Group will use their funding to deliver cultural camps, Elders groups, school holiday programs and family violence training initiatives in Gippsland.
The projects were self-determined by the 11 Dhelk Dja Action Groups across Victoria, and align with the world-leading Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way agreement, bringing together Aboriginal communities and organisations to support communities in preventing and responding to violence.
The Labor Government is prioritising listening to First Peoples about policies that directly affect them so that we can deliver real, practical change.
This year's funding will deliver a range of events, including a two-day 'hoops against violence' basketball event and community sports day in Ballarat, working with young people impacted by family violence.
In the Barwon Southwest community, funding will deliver a Neernan (gathering) for Elders to raise awareness of elder abuse and yarn about solutions to prevent family violence. In East Gippsland, a local Aboriginal women's group will be established to support victim-survivors to build on their confidence and connect with each other.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/aboriginal-cif.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
"These projects are designed by Aboriginal communities, for Aboriginal communities - because they know what works best to keep their families safe."
"By investing in culture, connection and community leadership, we're building stronger, safer futures for Aboriginal people right across Victoria."
