The Centre of Excellence for
Aboriginal Families Wellbeing
Ensuring all Aboriginal families in Victoria are emotionally, spiritually and culturally strong – and live in safe, caring Communities.
Putting Aboriginal Families First
VACCHO’s Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing is dedicated to advancing the rights and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across Victoria.
We celebrate Aboriginal families’ enduring strength, resilience and cultural richness by honouring Aboriginal models of parenting and child-rearing. These practices have kept families safe and strong for 65,000 years – and our work seeks to continue this legacy.
Our work centres on Aboriginal families – not just children – acknowledging that Aboriginal families extend beyond the immediate nuclear unit to include extended family, clan and kinship networks, and the broader Community.
The Centre will do this by;
• fostering a transformative paradigm shift in the narrative surrounding Aboriginal families
• challenging and dismantling deficit-driven and racist perspectives
• championing the celebration of the inherent strengths, resilience, and cultural richness within Aboriginal families.
“The Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing is an exciting initiative that will
focus on keeping families together and keeping families safe and strong.
Doing so leads to better education outcomes, employment prospects – and in turn helps break cycles of disadvantage.”
– Dr Jill Gallagher AO (HonLLD), CEO VACCHO
Our Vision
Empowering Generations: Celebrating the Strength of Aboriginal Families
The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Wheel represents holistic healing and includes protective factors that support good mental health for Aboriginal Communities.
The Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing’s vision is that Aboriginal families are emotionally, spiritually and culturally strong, live in safe and caring environments within their Communities, and are afforded the same life opportunities available to all Australians to achieve their full potential.
Our vision statement emphasises the enduring strength and resilience of Aboriginal families. It envisions a future where this strength is not only recognised but celebrated, and where it serves as the foundation for building vibrant and thriving communities across Victoria.
Guiding Principles
These guiding principles serve as a compass, ensuring that any initiatives are culturally sensitive, respectful, and enable Aboriginal families to thrive.
Cultural Integrity and Respect
Honouring, preserving and revitalising Aboriginal cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
Recognising the unique strengths and wisdom embedded in Aboriginal ways of life.
Restoration of Power
Prioritising active family engagement in decision-making processes to enable families to have a voice in shaping policies, programs and practices that affect them.
Equipping families with the tools, resources, and skills needed to navigate challenges and thrive and that are aligned with their own values, aspirations and cultural contexts.
Amplifying Families’ Voices
Actively engaging and listening to Aboriginal families to ensure their perspectives, needs, and aspirations guide the Centre’s programs and initiatives.
Providing platforms for families to share their experiences, knowledge, and solutions.
Community-Led Solutions
Fostering a collaborative environment where community members, leaders, and stakeholders actively contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of family-centred programs and approaches.
Empowering communities to drive positive change based on their unique strengths and aspirations.
Family-Centered Approach
Prioritising the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal families as the cornerstone of community prosperity.
Acknowledging the interdependence and mutual support within extended family networks.
Latest News
Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing Marks One Year of Advocacy and Change
This December, the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing celebrates one year of driving change and...
Discarding ‘Activity Test’ For Childcare A Win For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Families
VACCHO’s Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing welcomes Federal Labor’s plan to drop the childcare...
VACCHO Reaffirms Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the...
VACCHO Proud to Launch Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing
“Strong families build strong Communities.” The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)...
RESOURCES
Additional useful links and resources
For Our Children and Families – Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing Call for Action
Balit Durn Durn Centre – Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Social Emotional Wellbeing
About the artwork
‘Empowering Generations: Celebrating the Strength of Aboriginal Families’
by Djab Wurrong and Kirrae Wurrong artist Tarni Jarvis
The artwork brings to life Jill Gallagher’s vision of the strength of generations spanning 65,000 + years. Aboriginal families, their ancestors and future generations are represented in this inspiring piece where culture is honoured and celebrated.
Enquiries
Enquiries to the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing can be made by submitting the form below.