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.
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!
Ready to discover more of our work? Head to Our Vision and Our Impact pages.
Recommended RESOURCES
Useful links and documents on Aboriginal history in Victoria
Museum Victoria – Bunkilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Museum Victoria – First Peoples Exhibition
Museum Victoria – Victorian Aboriginal Languages