Since VACCHO’s inception in 1996, the organisation has grown from a grassroots collective staffed by just three people to a large and complex organisation made up of seven units.

Over the years, VACCHO has responded to the needs of the Community-controlled health sector by expanding our capacity in the areas of training and development, advocacy, health research and evidence, health promotion, engagement with Community, government and stakeholders, and business support.

In 2021, VACCHO reached a milestone of 100 staff for the first time in the organisation’s 25-year history. Across the seven units that make up VACCHO, we have staff from different disciplines with varied skillsets, and with a range of perspectives and life experiences.

VACCHO is at heart, and by constitution, a Community-controlled organisation. Respect for Culture, Community and Country is fundamental to what we do as an organisation and who we are as individuals. 

We seek to nurture a trusting, respectful and inclusive culture, where staff are proud of their work, empowered to succeed and their wellbeing and safety are respected.

Foundations and Innovations

More than the traditional / mainstream approach to Corporate Services (i.e. Finance , HR , Governance etc), the Foundations and Innovations Unit (FIU) work is dedicated to building a solid foundation and a sustainable future for VACCHO, and the ACCO sector. They lead the Organisation’s framework and look for innovative ways to take VACCHO, and the sector forward.

About our work

With the leadership of the Chief Operating Officer, the FIU manages VACCHO’s finances, investments, innovation and development, auditing, administration, operations, health information technologies, human resources, and quality, risk, compliance and safety. 

The Chief Operating Officer and FIU are also responsible for the organisation’s corporate governance and legal and regulatory needs.

Policy, Advocacy and Communications

VACCHO advocates for policy, program, and systems change to achieve health equity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. Our staff are focused on policy, strategy & systems, research, government relations, and communications. We sit across a variety of portfolios, such as economic reform, disability, aged care, and mental health.

About our work

We work closely with state and federal governments and with our partners in the health and Community-controlled sectors to galvanise support for policy and reform that address the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This work is underpinned by the principles of self-determination and Community control.

Our strong communications and media approach aims to promote the organisation’s advocacy work, VACCHO-led programs, and initiatives. We strive to raise awareness, build support, and drive action towards VACCHO’s mission of improving Aboriginal health outcomes.

Advocacy is carried out at Commonwealth and state levels with the public, private and community sectors on all issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. VACCHO is uniquely placed to engage, advise and influence government policymakers, funding bodies and other stakeholders and partners to consider how health services are developed and provided to the Community.
We work to ensure that Member priorities are represented in our advocacy, media and communications work. We hold the Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Partnerships Forum twice a year to bring together our Members with key government partners as well as other key advocacy and partnership gatherings.

Education and Training

The Education and Training Unit houses VACCHO’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), providing vocational education and training to the Community health sector. 

The RTO is made up of trainers, educators and student support staff. Together, the RTO team coordinates the delivery of multiple accredited courses to hundreds of  students each year.

The team designs our programs to address the required skills and knowledge needed for Aboriginal Community Controlled health organisations and their mainstream counterparts to deliver high-quality, culturally informed health services. 

About our work

The RTO offers a range of courses that nurture a collaborative, informed and professional workforce. Courses are designed for health professionals working in both mainstream and Community health services who are looking at upskilling, expanding their knowledge or starting a new career. 

Our training concentrates on Aboriginal Health Worker qualifications, as well as social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), business and leadership, management and community services. 

Programs focus on providing improved job outcomes and supporting career change, with many participants employed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, who offer a broad range of business, health and community services.

The VACCHO RTO is registered with the Australian Skills and Qualifications Authority (ASQA) and complies with the National VET Regulator Act and National VET Qualify Framework.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing Centre

The Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Unit grew from a small team into a standalone unit in 2021, as the scope and volume of work increased, particularly as a result of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

This part of the organisation is dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria. The team also ensures the SEWB workforce across the state is supported and connected, this is integral to our work and informs our collective understanding of SEWB needs and priorities across rural, regional and metropolitan areas.

About our work

The SEWB team works across various programs, including mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), sector support and networking, and partnering with mainstream organisations. 

The SEWB team focuses on fostering a deep understanding of the social and emotional wellbeing needs within Community.

In the coming years, a key focus will be the design, development and delivery of the SEWB Centre of Excellence.

Population Health 

The Population Health Unit (PHU) is made up of public health experts, allied health professionals and clinical health professionals, who work together to develop best-practice, culturally informed health advice for Members and VACCHO’s internal units. 

The PHU works closely with our Members, Community, mainstream health organisations, primary health networks, hospitals and clinics, and healthcare facilities. 

About our work

The PHU empowers our Members to provide high quality health services through leadership, support, advocacy and workforce development.

The work in Population Health is wide-ranging and specialised, it includes ear and eye health, chronic disease, digital health, nutrition, sexual health, maternal care, early years, disability and the NDIS, tobacco cessation, and workforce development, especially in General Practice (GP). 

This unit also plays a leading role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and VACCHO’s response to the vaccination roll-out.