The Andrews Labor Government will fund planning for a Centre of Excellence that will support Aboriginal Victorians health and wellbeing.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson announced the development of a business case for the Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Sport, Culture and Wellbeing at the Sir Doug Nicholls Reserve today.

The $250,000 investment demonstrates the Labor government’s strong support for Aboriginal self-determination and building stronger Aboriginal communities – including community-led prevention of family violence.

The Aborigines Advancement League, on behalf of a number of participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, will be responsible for the establishment of the Centre for Excellence.

The Centre will have a strong focus on holistic and culturally-safe health and wellbeing programs, and be a hub for primary prevention initiatives that align with the recently released Free from Violence, Victoria’s family violence primary prevention strategy.

The funding is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to support strong Aboriginal communities and coincides with NAIDOC Week 2017.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson

“We know communities working together have the greatest impact on reducing family violence and violence against women and children – that’s why we’re investing in these partnerships.”

“Drawing on the unique experiences and expertise of Aboriginal people will ensure prevention initiatives developed by the Centre are developed in partnership with Aboriginal people and focus on Aboriginal communities.”

Quote attributable to Esme Bamblett CEO Aborigines Advancement League

“The Centre for Excellence will support community controlled organisations to further strengthen our community and it will assist in creating strong and healthy families for now and into the future.”

“This is an important self-determination initiative for bringing our community together because across Victoria our community is dispersed with families often living in isolation, and without access to cultural supports.”