The Andrews Labor Government is inviting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to apply for funding to help them improve the services they deliver to their community.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins today announced the $21.7m Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund open for applications.

As part of the broader commitment to self-determination, the new fund will help organisations build new facilities, undertake repairs on existing property and remove first mortgages.

Two Aboriginal organisations – Aboriginal Housing Victoria and the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative –received a $50,000 grant through the Fund’s pilot stage to develop a business case for the removal of the first mortgage over their properties.

The Aboriginal Community Elders Services have also received a grant of $44,000 and to cover repairs and maintenance on their property.

Grants are available in three categories including repairs and minor works for existing facilities, feasibility studies and business cases to lift the Minister’s first mortgages and capital works and upgrades once the mortgages are lifted.

For more information about the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund or to apply for the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program or the First Mortgage and Community Infrastructure Program, visit vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria.

Applications are now open and will close on 14 March.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Improving Aboriginal community infrastructure is crucial to advancing self-determination and providing a positive platform for economic development and service delivery.”

“By upgrading facilities and lifting first mortgages, this new program will put the Aboriginal community in greater control of their future – that’s self-determination in action.”