The first mortgage held by the State Government over the Worawa Aboriginal College has been lifted and full control of the property returned to the school.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins joined some of the College’s students and teachers to make the announcement in Healesville.

Worawa Aboriginal College is the only Aboriginal school in Victoria owned and governed by Aboriginal people.  The College delivers a holistic education program to young Aboriginal women in secondary Years 7 to 12.

The requirement for a first mortgage was a condition unique to Aboriginal organisations and left them with unnecessary red tape preventing them from delivering the best services that they could.

With the lifting of the first mortgage, Worawa Aboriginal College now has full control of its assets and the economic autonomy to grow and plan for its future and continue its contributions to the Healesville community.

The lifting of first mortgages is about giving power and control back to Aboriginal communities – it’s self-determination in action.

Worawa Aboriginal College is one of the first two Aboriginal organisations to have their first mortgages lifted under the First Mortgage and Community Infrastructure Program.

More information about the program is available at aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Giving Aboriginal organisations like Worawa Aboriginal College their land titles allows them to control and plan for their own future. This goes to the heart of self-determination.”

“The lifting of this first mortgage means the many young Aboriginal women who attend the College will be given a better education and college experience.”