Over 25 years strong

VACCHO was established in 1996. But our story began well before then, with Victoria’s groundbreaking Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Joining a long legacy of change

For over 50 years, Victorian ACCOs have championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. They are places of Culture, Community and Kinship – culturally safe spaces for Mob to gather and access quality physical, emotional and mental healthcare.

In 1996, several ACCOs identified a need for a unified voice for their sector. A peak body to advocate for their needs, lobby for change and connect them with one another. And so VACCHO was born.

Learn about the unique Victorian ACCO model

From little things, big things grow

Since opening our doors, VACCHO has grown from a makeshift office with three employees into a mature, strong and resilient body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria.

But our mission remains the same: support Member organisations to deliver high-quality, culturally safe health, wellbeing and social services to Community across the state.

Today, we’re proud to represent 33 Members – and work across a vast portfolio. In our lively Collingwood office, over 100 staff work in areas like:

Education, training and development
Policy and advocacy
Health and wellbeing research and evidence
Health promotion
Community engagement
Government and stakeholder engagement
Business support and corporate governance

A future led by self-determination

Self-determination is at the heart of what we do – and what we want to achieve.

Over the next 25 years, VACCHO is committed to realising generational change. And to embedding Community, Culture and Country in all healthcare settings through the state.

From Yorta Yorta and Gunai/Kurnai Country through to Wergaia and Gunditjmara Country – our vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people everywhere to have equitable health access and outcomes.

A history worth celebrating

At VACCHO, we know how to celebrate.

So, on our 20th and 25th birthdays, we marked the occasions with a new sweeping mural at our Collingwood base – and a robust strategic plan to build on our work and increase Member’s capacity.

Watch the recap video!