The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was honoured to launch the Balit Durn Durn Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing at Federation Square yesterday.
The Balit Durn Durn Centre is an initiative designed to foster innovation and improvement in social and emotional wellbeing practice, policy and research.
VACCHO is thrilled to be launching the Centre alongside Deputy Premier of Victoria and Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. James Merlino MP, whose leadership in this space has been instrumental to the Centre’s establishment.
The launch builds on the strength and advocacy of Aboriginal communities and leaders; the vision set out in Balit Durn Durn, VACCHO’s submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System; and Balit Murrup, the Victorian Government’s ten-year Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework 2017-2027.
The Balit Durn Durn Centre is a key outcome from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The Commission marked the first time in history that Aboriginal leaders, organisations, people, families, carers, and Communities were given the opportunity to have their voices and experiences included in a redesign of the mental health system.
Executive Director of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre of Excellence Sheree Lowe says the launch of the Balit Durn Durn Centre is a major step forward for the health and wellbeing of Community.
“For too long, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria have fallen through the cracks of a fragmented and culturally unsafe mental health system.”
“The launch of The Balit Durn Durn Centre is an important time as it brings Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing to the forefront.”
“The Centre will focus on strengthening mental health and the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service system by providing Aboriginal leadership, empowerment and collaboration.”
VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher says the launch is a landmark moment that encompasses physical, mental, social, and spiritual health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The launch of The Balit Durn Durn Centre is a historic moment for Community and will see culture front and centre as a key protective factor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
“Aboriginal stories, truth-telling and culture are at the heart of healing. They are our best medicine.”
“The Balit Durn Durn Centre will be instrumental in supporting our Social and Emotional Wellbeing workforce and celebrating the critical role that they play.”
Balit Durn Durn means strong brain, mind, intellect and sense of self in Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung language.
More information about the Balit Durn Durn Centre here.
