The Andrews Labor Government is supporting self-determination by improving the community facilities at the Aboriginal Community Elders Services Inc. (ACES) in Brunswick.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins today announced that ACES has received a grant of $470,010 for capital works and upgrades.

ACES was established through the tireless work of the late Aunty Iris Lovett Gardiner and other Elders both past and present, who were concerned that Elders were passing away in mainstream nursing homes without any Aboriginal cultural practices being observed.

Today’s funding will upgrade buildings at the East Brunswick facility to meet the high-care requirements for residential care, specifically for Elders who have dementia, and to provide palliative care.

The grant is from the Labor Government’s Aboriginal Community Infrastructure program, which has invested $14.6 million to build new community infrastructure or to repair, refurbish or expand existing facilities.

This investment from the Labor Government is fundamental to the pursuit of self-determination and social and economic development for Aboriginal Victorians.

Funding for the second round of the program is now open. For more information or to make an application visit vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Aboriginal organisations are doing a great job delivering front line services and the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program will support these organisations to grow and flourish.”

“Giving Aboriginal organisations like ACES funding to improve their facilities gives them the ability to control and plan for their own future. This goes to the heart of self-determination.”

Quote attributable to Member for Brunswick Jane Garrett

“We’re supporting local organisations like ACES to continue rolling out the programs and services they deliver so well to the Brunswick community.”