Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc

26/01/2026

26/01/2026

26/01/2026

25/01/2026

Australia has a Black history.

We come from 65,000 years of Culture, knowledge and resistance.

For us, today is a day of profound pain. It marks invasion, dispossession and ongoing harm. We don't celebrate today.

Our Culture is older than this date, and stronger than its harm.

Always was, always will be.

24/01/2026

We come from 65,000 years of Culture, knowledge and resistance.

Survival day can be hard for Mob. The lead up and post this date can weigh heavy and have a real impact on your social and emotional wellbeing.

This January 26, here are a few ways to look after yourself and your loved ones.

→ Have a yarn. Remember that care is collective and we do not have to carry the weight on our own.

→ If posts you’re seeing make you unhappy of angry, or if you’re comparing yourself to others, stop scrolling. We all need a break from social media from time to time!

→ Whatever emotions you’re experiencing right now are okay, and there are plenty of places you can turn for support.

→ Connect with Country and Culture. They’re a source of strength and healing.

If you find yourself needing a yarn, please reach out to these lines:
Yarn SafeNstrong: 1800 959 563
Brother to Brother : 1800 435 799
Headspace, Yarn safe: (03) 9027 0100
13 Yarn : 13 92 76
QLife: 1800 184 527

Head to blktrx.org.au to find culturally safe support and mental health services near you.

Remember, look after yourself and your Community. Stay deadly.

* Practice Wayapa Wuuruk - tinyurl.com/c86w5z83
* Experience Dadirri - tinyurl.com/3sfrjd47

23/01/2026

Survival Day can be a tough day for Mob.

If you’re feeling anxious, sad, angry or sleep deprived – we hear you.

Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself and your loved ones this January 26.

→ Yarn with someone you trust, who makes you feel good, and helps keep your spirit strong. Connection is prevention.

→ Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling at the moment. There are plenty of places and services to turn for support.

If you find yourself needing a yarn or support, head to BLKTRX to find culturally safe mental health and support services > blktrx.org.au/

22/01/2026

Make no mistake – January 26 is a day of mourning.

It marks the beginning of colonisation and its devastating impacts – dispossession, genocide, cultural loss and intergenerational trauma.

The refusal to change the date is not because Aboriginal people haven’t explained why January 26 is inappropriate and hurtful because we have done so, clearly and consistently for decades.

January 26 is not a date of Australian tradition – it’s a choice.

It’s a choice that was made by governments, and it’s a choice that’s been changed before, so why can’t it change again?

Opinion by Dr Jill Gallagher AO.

First published on Cheek Media on 21 January 2026.

Read the full piece here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2026/01/22/opinion-some-call-it-australia-day-we-call-it-survival-day/

20/01/2026

Measles is spreading in Victoria – and it’s nothing to take lightly.
It’s a severe infection that can make you very sick, with symptoms like cough, fever and a rash.

Many people who get measles end up in hospital. Some can even develop life-threatening infections of the lungs or brain.

Anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the measles vaccine may be at-risk.
Not sure if you’ve had them? Have a yarn with your healthcare provider.

Some Boorais are too young to get vaccinated against measles. By getting the measles vaccines, you’re protecting yourself – and helping stop the spread to little ones in your community.

So don’t wait - Protect yourself, your bub and your Community today.

20/01/2026

VACCHO and Balit Durn Durn Centre have proudly launched BLKTRX – Victoria’s first online su***de prevention service directory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Executive Director of the BDDC and Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing Sheree Lowe says, “These resources are the start of a suite of resources to help Mob feel confident to reach out for support. A simple yarn, a check-in or a moment of connection can make all the difference, because we know that connection is prevention.”

View the BLKTRX online directory here > blktrx.org.au

Read the full news story here > https://www.vaccho.org.au/2026/01/20/victorian-first-online-directory-connecting-aboriginal-communities-to-culturally-safe-su***de-prevention-services/

NOTE: Your social and emotional wellbeing is important. Further support can be found through any of the following support lines and resources:

Yarning Safe N Strong (24/7) | 1800 959 563
13YARN | 13 92 76 (24/7)
Brother to brother crisis line (24/7) | 1800 435 799
Thirrili – The National Indigenous Postvention Service – After Su***de Support (24/7) | 1800 805 801
Qlife – anonymous and free LGBTI peer support (3pm-Midnight every day) | 1800 184 527
Su***deLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
Su***de Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline (24/7) | 1800 55 1800

15/01/2026

Just have the yarn about how you are going.

By connecting with Community, Culture, Country and just having a yarn, we are reminded that prevention begins with connection, listening and standing together.

Head to BLKTRX to find culturally safe and responsive mental health, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and su***de prevention services in your area now > https://blktrx.org.au/

***dePrevention

13/01/2026

Join the First Nations Float at Midsumma Pride March! 🌈

Walk with VACCHO, VAHS, Treaty for Victoria, and The Koori Way as we celebrate and show our pride!

When 📅 : Sunday, 1 February 2026
Where 📍: Meet at 10 am at Ian Johnson Oval, St Kilda (Corner of Fitzroy St & Lakeside Dr)
March 🚶 starts: 10.30 am along Fitzroy St, finishing at Catani Gardens

Be early! The first 100 attendees receive a limited-edition VAHS Rainbow Mob T-shirt!

Aunty Carolyn Briggs will lead the First Nations float and perform a Welcome to Country at Catani Gardens.

Come along, meet Community leaders, grab your T-shirt, and show your PRIDE!

🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤🌈

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

09/01/2026

A simple yarn can save lives. The Balit Durn Durn Centre's new "Connection is Prevention" campaign reminds us to check in with our Mob, speak up early, and support one another through strong, meaningful connection.

At the heart of the campaign is a short, powerful film that demonstrates how a simple conversation can break stigma, isolation and save lives.

Launched alongside the campaign is BLKTRX, Victoria’s first Aboriginal-led online mental health and social and emotional wellbeing service directory. Making it easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find culturally safe support.

The Connection is Prevention campaign and the BLKTRX directory were made possible with the valuable guidance and contributions of the Garrka yap-u burrundyata Knowledge Holders Group. The group urges everyone to check in with their Mob, support those who may be doing it tough, and connect with trusted local services.

Read the full story > balitdurndurncentre.org.au/connection-is-prevention-new-campaign-encourages-conversations-to-prevent-su***de-in-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-communities/
Watch the video > youtu.be/Q0R2usNSMzg?si=TO2tctBw6w9To35Q
Explore BLKTRX > blktrx.org.au