Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc VACCHO is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was established in 1996. VACCHO is the peak Aboriginal health body representing 32 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Victoria. This page may contain images of deceased Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people.

This Pride month and every month, VACCHO celebrate Rainbow Mob.Rainbow Mob are a part of Culture, story and Country. And...
10/06/2026

This Pride month and every month, VACCHO celebrate Rainbow Mob.

Rainbow Mob are a part of Culture, story and Country. And just like all Community members, Rainbow Mob deserve to feel safe, valued and supported.

ACCOs have a powerful role in leading Rainbow Mob inclusion – ensuring everyone gets access to safe and supportive care.

We encourage everyone to stand proud and support Rainbow Mob inclusion.

Pictured:
Aunty Carolyn Briggs (aunt)
Boonwurrung
Rainbow Mob Ally

Read the Best Practice Model for Rainbow Mob Inclusion in ACCOs here > www.vaccho.org.au/rainbowmob/

🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈

09/06/2026

We support the Joint Statement: 'Overdue Action Required on First Nations Aged Care Reform'.

Coordinated by NATSIAACC, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council, the statement calls on the Australian Government to urgently progress the unfinished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific aged care recommendations from the Royal Commission.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People deserve culturally-safe aged care that supports dignity, connection, and community.

Read the full statement here:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Ybvm0

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing & Aged Care Council

Across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, communities are currently responding to an outbrea...
09/06/2026

Across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, communities are currently responding to an outbreak of diphtheria.

Diphtheria is an infection that can make people very sick. It spreads between people and can cause serious throat and skin infections.

Some people may not be protected against diphtheria. A booster vaccine can be given to improve protection. The vaccine used protects against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.

Boorai are vaccinated against diphtheria as part of the usual immunisation schedule. Adults need boosters at least every 10 years, or every 5 years if travelling to places where diphtheria is spreading.

Free diphtheria vaccines are available at ACCOs across Victoria for those who need a booster. Other clinics and GPs may be able to offer free boosters too.

If you need a booster or are unsure whether you or your child are protected against diphtheria, have a yarn with your ACCO or GP.

05/06/2026

Our Co-chairs were honoured to meet with VACCHO CEO and former Treaty Advancement Commissioner Aunty Dr Jill Gallagher AO today. Gellung Warl firmly supports Aunty Jill's comments and encourages Government to commit to making lasting change for First Peoples in this state.

'Dr Gallagher called on whichever party forms government after November to consider the recommendations [put forward by VACCHO] to strengthen the health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal communities.

"The next Victorian Government has an opportunity to make meaningful, lasting change for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians and VACCHO is providing the roadmap on how to do it," she said.'

Image Credit: VACCHO

New Oxfam data confirms what we already know. There’s a hugely unfair, growing wealth divide in Australia.These 178 bill...
04/06/2026

New Oxfam data confirms what we already know. There’s a hugely unfair, growing wealth divide in Australia.

These 178 billionaires made $25 billion extra last year alone. That could have funded our whole state budget submission – 187 times over. The remainder could have closed the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and provided financial wellbeing initiatives for all Australians.

Our government must reform tax now – and create fairer, more equitable solutions for all Australians. Because when wealth sits equally across communities, our people will thrive.

Read the Oxfam analysis here > https://www.oxfam.org.au/media-releases/australian-billionaires-wealth-grows-by-50000-per-minute/

04/06/2026

This Pride month and every month, VACCHO celebrate Rainbow Mob.

We encourage everyone to stand proud and support Rainbow Mob inclusion.

Read the Best Practice Model for Rainbow Mob Inclusion in ACCOs here > www.vaccho.org.au/rainbowmob/

🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈

Kitty Obsidian Peter Waples-Crowe Carolyn Briggs

Today, 3 June, we celebrate Mabo Day. 💙💚🤍🖤 This day honours Uncle Eddie Koiki Mabo, a proud Meriam man from the island o...
02/06/2026

Today, 3 June, we celebrate Mabo Day. 💙💚🤍🖤

This day honours Uncle Eddie Koiki Mabo, a proud Meriam man from the island of Mer, whose relentless pursuit of justice led to the landmark decision that ended the two-century-long lie of Australia belonging to no one (terra nullius).

In 1982, Mabo, alongside a group of Eastern Torres Strait Islander people, challenged the idea that his family’s traditional land was owned by the Crown.

After 10 long years, on 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia ruled that the country was not 'terra nullius'.

This historic ruling acknowledged the unique and ongoing relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with their Country and paved the way for Native Title.

Although the struggle for Native Title continues, Mabo’s victory was a monumental step forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Sadly, Uncle Eddie Mabo did not live to see this triumph - he passed away five months prior to the ruling.

Throughout his life, he was an activist and a unionist, significantly contributing to the 1967 referendum campaign as well.

Mabo Day is about truth and recognition.
It’s a reminder that this land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Image courtesy Jim McEwan.

From 15-19 June, The Beautiful Shawl Project is coming to First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing/Nairm Marr Djambana in Fra...
01/06/2026

From 15-19 June, The Beautiful Shawl Project is coming to First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing/Nairm Marr Djambana in Frankston – offering free, culturally safe breast screens to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 40+.

Each person who screens with The Beautiful Shawl Project will receive a shawl to wear during the screening and take home afterwards as a gift. The Dunguludja Mulana (Strong Spirit) shawl was designed by Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti and Wiradjuri artist Alkina Edwards.

Describing her artwork, Alkina says: “This artwork represents women empowerment, resilience and strong spirits. Within the background, I have placed symbols that represent our beautiful countries and women gatherings showing the physical and spiritual connection we have with the land and each other.

At the front of the design, I have visual figures of women. This is to depict women supporting, empowering and leaning on each other through these experiences, while creating culturally safe spaces for women to express themselves and share their stories.”

If you’re aged 40+, book your free breast screen today by calling First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing at 03 9070 8181.

VACCHO is advocating for strengths-based approaches to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strai...
27/05/2026

VACCHO is advocating for strengths-based approaches to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the upcoming Victorian election.

VACCHO CEO, Dr Jill Gallagher AO, said many of the initiatives are designed by Community, for Community and will contribute to closing the gap in health outcomes and deliver on Victoria’s obligations under the National Agreement.

Read the recommendations here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2026/05/27/vacchos-2026-state-election-platform-calls-for-strength-based-approaches/

Address

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood, Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
3066

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61394119411

Website

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