The Andrews Labor Government is supporting self-determination by improving Aboriginal community facilities in Western Victoria.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins today announced a grant of $1 million for Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd (Budja Budja) for capital works and upgrades, and a grant of $41,000 for Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd for minor works and upgrades.

Budja Budja is an Accredited Medical Clinic and the only primary health care, GP and community health facility in Halls Gap and surrounds.

The building services extension will improve the layout, facilities and services on offer in the 80-year-old clinic and allow the organisation to operate five days per week.

Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative began in 1992 and helps Aboriginal people find work and create Aboriginal-operated businesses and projects.

Renovating the existing kitchen layout will improve the layout and accessibility of the space. Programs like a new native bushfood project will be able to run from the improved facilities.

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 these 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 Western Victoria Gayle Tierney  

“We’re supporting local Aboriginal organisations to continue rolling out the programs and services they deliver so well to the Halls Gap and Warrnambool communities.”